Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-05
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 two different architectural drawings illustrate about the public library how it changes in 20 years. How it looks 20 years a ago and how it looks now.
Overall, libaray changed a lot in 20 years many new things are being constructed.Many new necessary amenities are added for the ease of users.
In the load drawing when we enter from main entrance there is a reading room on the left side and now there is a computer room and in old plan on the right side there is enquiry desk and in present plan there is a cafe.
In old plan in the center of the library there are tables and chairs and in current situation they are removed completely.If we stand in the center of the library in old plan on left side there are adult fiction books and on the right side there are adult on-fiction books and in todays plan they are replaced by all reference books on the left side and adult fiction book,information desk and self-service machines on the right.On the end of the library there are two rooms in both plan.But in old plan on the left side there are cds,videos and computer- games and on the right side there are books for childrens.In present plan these rooms are replaced and now they contain sofas,children's books and storytelling events and it is on the left side and on the right side there is a lecture room.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt by presenting an overview and reporting the main spatial changes between the two floor plans of the central library over a 20-year period. However, some aspects of the task are handled more fully than others, placing the response solidly at the mid-point of achievement. The overview is somewhat superficial, merely stating that the library 'changed a lot' without synthesizing the key overarching trends, such as the shift from traditional reading spaces to technology and specialized rooms like the computer room and lecture room. Furthermore, certain details are under-developed or vague, such as imprecise directional reporting (e.g., locating rooms 'on the end' rather than using precise compass or spatial descriptors), which prevents the response from achieving a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement by systematically guiding the reader through the different areas of the library, moving from the entrance and side rooms toward the central area and the back rooms. Paragraphing is attempted, though the division of text is somewhat cramped and lacks clear functional separation between the introduction, overview, and body details. Cohesive devices are used, but they tend to be mechanical and repetitive, relying heavily on basic additive connectors like 'and', 'in the old plan', and 'in present plan'. Referencing between sentences is sometimes unclear, and the lack of sophisticated discourse markers means progression is not always smooth, resulting in a slightly disjointed flow.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate to communicate the basic features of the maps, but the range is limited and repetitive. The writer frequently recycles basic terms such as 'plan', 'room', 'left side', and 'right side'. There are noticeable lexical inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as 'load drawing' instead of 'floor plan' or 'map', and 'adult on-fiction books' (a typographical error). Attempts to use less common vocabulary are minimal, and spelling errors like 'libaray' and 'childrens' detract from the lexical score. To reach a higher band, the writer needs to incorporate a wider variety of synonyms and precise architectural or spatial vocabulary to describe modifications.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting comparative structures to contrast the past and present layouts. However, control over grammar and punctuation is inconsistent. There are frequent structural errors, including run-on sentences, missing articles (e.g., 'from main entrance', 'on right side'), and incorrect prepositional usage. Tense consistency is also an issue, with awkward shifts between present and past references within the same descriptive clause. While these errors rarely completely impede communication, their frequency places the grammar firmly at this level. Greater accuracy in punctuation, subject-verb agreement, and article usage is required to progress.
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.