Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-23
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 diagram illustrates the floor plan for a library 20 years ago and its current arrangement.
overall, alot of changes have been made in the allignment of books and in the sitting arrangement for readers.
There is an enquiry desk from left to the entrance in central library 20 years ago. Opposite to that is the reading room where different magzines and newspapers are available. Going straight from the main door there are two tables with a number of chairs around them. On the above right corner of the library, a room is dedicated for CDs, videos, and games. Moreover, on the above right corner there is a section for children's books. In between reading and gaming room, adult fiction books are alligned. Meanwhile the adult non fiction books are present on the right side of tables.
However, the current layout is quite different from the one in past. there is a cafe on the right side of the entrance and computer room on the left. All reference books are available next to computer room. The adult fiction books, information desk and self service machines can be found opposite to refrence books section. There is a room for children's fiction book with sofas in it on the left top corner and a lecture room at the right top corner.
In conclusion, the floor plan is now changed from the past and more facilities have been introduced.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The student successfully addresses the main features of the library floor plans from 20 years ago and today, providing a general overview as required. Key changes, such as the addition of a café, computer room, and self-service machines, are reported. However, there are some minor spatial inaccuracies and misinterpretations of the layout (for example, placing the enquiry desk incorrectly relative to the entrance 20 years ago, and stating there is a children's fiction book room on the left top corner when the plan shows storytelling events there too). The overview is rather basic, but the response does capture the general transformation of the space. It meets the core requirements of Academic Task 1, earning a solid Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The text is generally coherent with a discernible logical progression, moving from an introduction to the past layout, then the current layout, and a brief conclusion. Paragraphing is attempted, with separate paragraphs for the past and present descriptions. However, cohesion is at times mechanical or faulty. For instance, the transition 'On the above right corner' is unnatural, and referencing across sentences can be confusing. Words are occasionally misused for spatial markers ('above right corner' instead of 'top-right'). Overall arrangement is acceptable for a Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully conveying basic spatial relationships and library features such as 'enquiry desk', 'reading room', 'computer room', and 'self-service machines'. However, there are notable spelling and word-choice errors, such as 'alot' (two words: 'a lot'), 'allignment' (alignment), 'magzines' (magazines), and 'refrence' (reference). Attempts at less common lexical items are limited, and the range is generally basic, fitting the Band 5.5 to 6.0 descriptors. A score of 5.5 reflects the recurring spelling and vocabulary inaccuracies.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The student displays a mix of simple and some complex sentence forms, such as 'The diagram illustrates the floor plan for a library 20 years ago and its current arrangement.' There are several grammatical errors and punctuation issues throughout the text, including lowercase letters at the beginning of sentences ('overall, alot...', 'there is a cafe...'), missing articles, and preposition errors ('from left to the entrance', 'on the above right corner'). Despite these errors, communication is rarely impeded, and basic sentence structures are generally under control, earning a Band 5.5.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.