Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-19

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks now.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Central Library 20 years ago

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The map illustrates the information about the present structure of public library and the floor plan two decades ago.

Overview, in the public library several alterations take place in the design and various building remained same as previous sturcture.

After analysis, it can be clearly seen that twenty years ago there was tables and chairs in the centre of the library, whereas now this space is empty. The reading room for newspapers and magazines in south-west direction is converted in a computer room. At present, in north-east direction there is a lecture room, while previously it was a room for children's books. In the new structure self-service machines are constructed in east side.

Moving further towards the remaining data, in north-west side there was a room for computer games, whilst in new building it is used for storytelling events and children's fiction books. The inquiry desk for tickets and book returns converted into a cafe. In east side there was a space for adult fiction books, whereas it is reorgainised into all reference books.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student covers the main changes between the two maps, successfully identifying key alterations such as the removal of tables and chairs, the conversion of rooms, and the addition of self-service machines and a cafe. However, there are some minor misreadings or inaccuracies in spatial locations and specific room transformations when compared directly to the visual data (for example, the adult fiction and reference books placement). Additionally, the overview is somewhat weak and informal ('Overview, in the public library several alterations take place...'), lacking a concise synthesis of the overall spatial transformation. Nevertheless, the response adequately addresses the prompt, earning a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is arranged into paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, followed by an overview, and subsequent body paragraphs detailing the changes. Logical sequencing is present, but cohesion is occasionally faulty or mechanical ('Moving further towards the remaining data'). Paragraphing is used, though the overview paragraph is unusually brief and structurally weak. Referencing and transitional phrasing lack flexibility and sometimes feel awkward, which is characteristic of a Band 6 performance.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, successfully using terms related to floor plans and alterations (e.g., 'structure', 'floor plan', 'converted', 'constructed'). However, there are noticeable word-choice errors, imprecise phrasing, and misspellings ('sturcture', 'reorgainised'). Less common lexical items are attempted but lack precision and stylistic appropriateness. Communication is not impeded, but the limitations in lexical control cap the score at Band 5.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response includes a mix of simple and complex sentence forms (e.g., 'After analysis, it can be clearly seen that...'). However, there are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as missing articles ('there was tables and chairs' instead of 'there were') and preposition errors ('in south-west direction'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent the writing from reaching Band 6.0, fitting the Band 5.5 descriptor well.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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