Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-25
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 compares the layout of public library from two decades ago and shows its todays look.
Starting with the look of 20 years ago, the top corner room used to have Cds, videos and computer games. Followed by the Adult fiction books settled just below and outside that room. However, the top right corner room was designated for children containing children's books, just outside this rooms were the Adult non-fiction books department. In contrast, the bottomright corner room was used for enquiry purposes, such as enquiry of tickets, book returns etc. On the other hand, the bottom left corner room was used for reading of news papers and magazines. The tables and chairs were settled in the middle of the building.
Moving toward how library looks today, the north west room is now replaced with storytelling events and Children's fiction books also containing sofas on 2 corners. However, the north east room is now used for lectures. In contrast, the bottom right corner room is now replaced with computer room and th
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The student attempts to describe the main features of the library maps from 20 years ago and today, noting several key alterations such as the conversion of rooms for storytelling and lectures, and the addition of self-service machines. However, the response is incomplete as it cuts off mid-sentence at the end ("...replaced with computer room and th"). Furthermore, there is some confusion in spatial reporting, such as misidentifying the bottom-right and bottom-left room functions for the past layout. Because the response is unfinished and misses several key transformations, it falls within Band 5.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The text demonstrates a basic attempt to organise information chronologically, moving from the past layout to the present ("Starting with the look of 20 years ago...", "Moving toward how library looks today..."). However, the logical progression is hindered by abrupt transitions and occasional referencing errors, such as misusing cohesive markers like "However" and "In contrast" where contrast is not fully established. Paragraphing is fragmented due to the premature ending of the text. Overall cohesion is mechanical and basic.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with appropriate library-related terms such as "fiction books", "enquiry purposes", and "reading room". However, there are instances of unnatural phrasing and word choice, such as "shows its todays look" and "settled just below". Attempts at less common vocabulary are limited, and spelling/word formation errors occur, reflecting a Band 6 level of lexical resource.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as "The map compares the layout of public library from two decades ago and shows its todays look." However, there are frequent grammatical errors, including missing articles ("layout of public library"), incorrect preposition usage, and awkward phrasings like "rooms were the Adult non-fiction books department". The grammar is further impacted by the incomplete ending of the essay. These errors occasionally cause strain for the reader.
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