Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-06

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 given image illustrates the comaprative view of the alterations that took place during last two decades in the floor plan of the central library.

To commence with, the central library in the past used to have tables and chairs right infront of the entrance and then there were two partitions were imparted, one leading to adult fiction books section, while the other paved its way to non fiction books. The fiction book section had accessed to the reading room which comprised of newspaper and magazines. Additionally, it included entrance to the room of CDs, videos along with computer games. However, the non fiction books area had further departure towards kids bookshelf. Moreover, the enquiry desk was at the right side of the entrance.

On the other hand, the library looked completely changed after two decades, the entrance didnot have tables and chairs anymore instead there is clear passage. There is inclusion of cafeteria on the lower right corner of the room along with the self service machines.

As an overall view, it is apparent that with the increasing demands of the students there is inclusion of cafeteria and kids section was made even more interacting by including storytelling events.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response attempts to cover the task by describing both the past and present layouts of the central library. However, the information presented is incomplete and contains several inaccuracies regarding the locations of features. For instance, the reference to the entrance having tables and chairs in the past misinterprets the central corridor layout, and the overview lacks a fully clear summary of the major structural transformations. While some key changes like the addition of the cafeteria and self-service machines are noted, the overall coverage is limited and under-developed, preventing the response from reaching a higher band. To improve, you should carefully examine the visual data to ensure spatial relationships are accurately reported and provide a comprehensive overview highlighting the most significant global changes.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response exhibits a coherent overall arrangement with a clear division into paragraphs for the past, present, and an overview. Logical connectors such as 'To commence with' and 'On the other hand' are employed to sequence the ideas, though some transitional phrases feel mechanical or awkward. Referencing is occasionally unclear, such as pronoun usage and transitions between the various sections of the library. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different time periods and the concluding summary. To move to a higher level of cohesion, ensure that cohesive devices are used more flexibly and naturally, and strengthen the logical links between sentences so that the progression of spatial details flows smoothly from one area to another without abrupt shifts.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, though it is somewhat limited and repetitive. There are noticeable lexical errors, such as 'comaprative' (comparative), 'partition were imparted', and 'fiction book section had accessed', which show weakness in word formation and collocation. While the writer attempts less common vocabulary like 'alterations' and 'cafeteria', inaccuracies in spelling and word choice occasionally impede smooth reading. To achieve a higher band, you should expand your range of functional academic vocabulary related to architectural changes and spatial descriptions, paying close attention to correct word forms, word combinations, and accurate spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a limited range of sentence structures, relying primarily on simple and somewhat disjointed compound sentences. Attempts at more complex structures often result in grammatical errors, such as 'didnot have tables and chairs anymore instead there is clear passage' (run-on sentence and punctuation issues) and prepositional errors like 'during last two decades'. There are frequent errors in verb tense consistency, articles, and clause linking that cause some difficulty for the reader. To improve your grammar score, focus on mastering complex sentence patterns, ensuring accurate punctuation around clauses, and maintaining consistent past and present tenses when contrasting historical and current data.

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

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