Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-09

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 pictographic images illustrate the floor plane of public library 20 years ago and how it looks in present time.

From the overall prespective, many changes have be done in this two decads where cds, videos and computer games room is been replaced by children's fiction books and sofa for storytelling events but one major change is that tables and chairs are removed now from the centre and now the space is empty.

To begin with, 20 years ago the library had no empty space because the tables and chairs where in the center but now at present it is empty and on the right side there were section of adult non-fiction books but now few things are add with it which is a information desk and self-service machines and on left adult fiction book is now the place for all reference books. On the top right corner children's books area is now became lecture room and on top left corner cds, videos and computer games room are now used for storytelling events with comfortable sofas and children's fiction books. Entrance is as it is while enquiry desk use to be at the right of entrance which is now been replaced by cafe and on the left reading room has becom computer room.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the main transformation clearly: the central tables and chairs have been removed, and the former media room is now used for children’s fiction and storytelling. You also cover the changes to the book areas, reading room, enquiry desk and children’s room, so the response addresses the task with relevant comparisons. Most locations match the plan. However, the overview’s claim that the centre is “empty” is imprecise: it no longer has tables and chairs, but it remains a central corridor. Some details are less fully explained, such as the new café and computer room, and the information desk and self-service machines are described vaguely as “few things.” A more precise overview and fuller description of the main changes would strengthen the report.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a basic overall structure, moving from an introductory statement and overview to a paragraph describing the changes. The comparisons are generally understandable, and phrases such as “on the top right corner” help orient the reader. However, the body paragraph contains many changes in one long sequence, so the progression is difficult to follow. Repeated use of “now” and “but now” makes the linking mechanical, while “To begin with” does not clearly signal a distinct stage or area. Grouping the changes by side of the library, and using clearer links such as “Meanwhile” or “In addition,” would make the organisation more coherent. Check that references such as “it” and “with it” have an unmistakable referent.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant vocabulary for describing a library plan, including “adult non-fiction books,” “self-service machines,” “storytelling events” and “entrance.” This gives you enough range to communicate the main changes. However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward, including “floor plane,” “present time,” “few things are add with it” and “the place for all reference books.” Spelling errors such as “prespective,” “decads” and “becom” also reduce accuracy. Aim for precise map language and check spelling and word forms carefully. For example, describe a room as being “converted into” another facility, and say that an area “now contains” particular features rather than that things were “add with it.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including comparisons linked with “but” and clauses describing where facilities are located. The main message is usually recoverable, but errors in verb forms, agreement, articles and sentence construction occur across the response. Examples include “many changes have be done,” “the tables and chairs where in the center,” “a information desk,” and “which is now been replaced.” The long sentence beginning “To begin with” also joins several separate comparisons without clear punctuation, making the structure harder to control. Practise accurate past and present forms, such as “were” and “have been,” and divide the description into shorter sentences. This would improve clarity while allowing you to retain complex comparisons.

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

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