Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-26
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 changes in layout of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks now.
Overall, the library has been considerably transformed, with several facilities added for the members, while original features, such as enquiry desk and children's books room, have been replaced or modified. The library has become more focused on providing more services.
Twenty years ago, the tables and chairs were place in middle of the library. Additionally, it consisted of an enquiry desk on the right upon entering the library. It rendered services such as getting the tickets, borrowing books, and returning them. Moreover, it also consisted of three rooms one on the left upon entering, which was used as reading room. Other rooms were used by children's books and digital services. Adult fiction books were located on left side, while adult non-fiction books on the right side.
Today, the library went under several developments. A new cafe has been constructed in location of enquiry desk. Additionally, the reading room has been replaced by computer room and children's books room by lecture room. The room previously occupied by digital service room has been enlarged and children's fiction books have been placed there. Furthermore, few sofas are place there and story telling events takes place there. All reference books are placed in left side of library in middle of the two rooms. Moreover, information desk is located in middle of the two room on the right. Self-service machines are placed at the north of cafe and adult fiction books are directly behind information desk.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The candidate successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the public library as it appeared 20 years ago and comparing them with the current layout. A clear overview is provided at the beginning, noting the significant transformation and addition of services. Key spatial relationships and alterations are identified, such as the replacement of the enquiry desk with a cafe and the reading room with a computer room. However, some minor details are slightly imprecise or under-developed, such as describing the exact locations of the reference books and information desks. Nevertheless, the response covers all core changes effectively and satisfies the requirements of Task 1.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response is organized logically with a clear introduction, body paragraphs detailing the past and present layouts, and an overarching summary. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two time periods. Cohesive devices such as 'Additionally', 'Moreover', and 'Today' are employed to guide the reader through the comparison, though some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive in structure. Referencing is generally clear, but occasional minor awkwardness in sequencing slightly disrupts the overall fluency of the progression.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The candidate demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a floor plan and spatial changes, using terms such as 'transformed', 'constructed', 'replaced', and 'enclosed'. However, there are some word choice and collocation inaccuracies, such as 'were place in middle' instead of 'were placed in the middle' and 'in location of' instead of 'in the location of'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with mixed success. Spelling is generally accurate, but lexical control is somewhat inconsistent.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and prepositional phrases. There are, however, several grammatical errors throughout the text, including missing articles ('in middle of the library', 'on left side') and passive voice inaccuracies ('tables and chairs were place', 'few sofas are place'). While these errors are frequent, they do not impede communication, and the overall meaning remains clear to the reader.
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.