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 the library from 20 years ago to the present day.

Overall, there were significant changes to the layout and facilities of the library over the period.

In the northwest corner, the lecture room was converted into an area for children's fiction books. In addition, the tables and chairs in the centre of the library were removed, while the adult non-fiction books were replaced by an information desk. The CDs, videos and computer games were also removed and replaced by a storytelling area.

In the northeast corner, the computer room was introduced, replacing the previous area for books. Meanwhile, in the southwest corner, the enquiry desk was replaced by a café. The area for adult fiction books was also changed into a section for reference books.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response covers the main changes shown in the floor plans, noting key transformations such as the introduction of the computer room and café. However, the student has misread several directional details from the source diagram. For instance, the lecture room and children's fiction areas are located in the northeast, not the northwest, and the café is in the southeast rather than the southwest. Additionally, the task is under the 150-word minimum, containing only 131 words, which directly limits the extent of the response and prevents full development of all key features. Consequently, the task achievement is restricted.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The text is organised into three brief paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs detailing specific changes. The progression is reasonably clear, and the writer uses basic cohesive devices and spatial referencing such as 'In the northwest corner' and 'In addition'. Paragraphing is logical, separating the general introduction from specific area-by-area comparisons. However, cohesion is somewhat mechanical and repetitive in its structural openings ('In the northwest corner...', 'In the northeast corner...', 'Meanwhile, in the southwest corner...'). Overall, the text demonstrates a coherent arrangement despite the minor length limitation.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, successfully employing functional terms related to maps and diagrams, such as 'layout', 'converted', 'replaced', and 'section'. There are attempts at less common vocabulary items like 'transformed' or 'reconfigured', though the range remains somewhat limited due to the short response length. Word choice is mostly appropriate, and although there are directional inaccuracies in the content, the actual phrasing and spelling do not impede communication. The lexical control is sufficient for a Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing passive structures effectively to describe changes, such as 'the lecture room was converted into an area' and 'the tables and chairs... were removed'. Grammar and punctuation are generally well controlled, and errors are infrequent, meaning they do not impede communication. While the range of complex structures is somewhat constrained by the overall brevity of the essay, the sentences that are produced display good accuracy and control.

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

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