Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-03

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)

Introduction

This map indicates the floor plan of public library 20 years ago and how it looks now.

Overview

The overall analysis shows that central library underwent a significant structural and modern change.There are some noticeable changes such are adding cafe,lecture room and changing some locations.

Task 1

The first map indicates the central library 20 years ago.The entrance is one the south of it as we enter through the door two tables with chairs are present next to each other.On the east side after entering through door a enquiry desk is present where we can book tickets , return books ,etc.Whereas on the west side of entrance a reading room is present where newspapers and magazines are present in the front of a section of adult fiction books are stocked with entertainment center in the north.While on the north of enquiry desk a section of non fiction adult books are present with the room of children's books in north.

Task 2

In contrast, the second map show the floor plan of today's library.The entrance is at the same place.While the enquiry desk is replaced by cafe and the reading room is replaced by computer room and the tables and chairs are removed.In the north of cafe a section of non fictions books are replaced by adult fiction books,information desk and modern self-service machines.Moreover, the children room is transformed into lecture room.In the west of lecture room a entertainment room is transformed into a room for storytelling events and a section of children's fiction book with two sofas in it.Lastly in front of it a section of adult fiction books replaced by all reference books.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the main transformation from the earlier plan to the current one and report several relevant changes, including the café and computer room replacing earlier facilities, the removal of the tables and chairs, and the new lecture room and storytelling area. The entrance remaining in the same place is also correctly noted. However, some details are inaccurate or unclear: the earlier top-left room contained CDs, videos and computer games, not an “entertainment center,” and the current plan places the café in the bottom-right room, rather than simply describing it as replacing the enquiry desk. The overview mentions change but does not clearly summarise the broad reorganisation of the library. More precise coverage of the locations and the changed book sections would make the response more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, overview and separate descriptions of the two plans. This helps the reader follow the comparison, and linking expressions such as “Whereas,” “In contrast,” “Moreover” and “Lastly” show an effort to connect information. However, the progression within the descriptions is sometimes difficult to follow: the first-plan sentence beginning “Whereas on the west side…” combines several locations and features, while “in front of it” in the final sentence has an unclear reference. The labels “Task 1” and “Task 2” also interrupt the otherwise suitable report format. Grouping changes by area or by what was replaced, and using clearer references, would improve the flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of vocabulary for describing a floor plan, including “entrance,” “replaced,” “transformed,” “section” and “self-service machines.” These choices communicate many of the changes, and you attempt more specific terms such as “non-fiction” and “storytelling events.” Some word choices and collocations are inaccurate or imprecise, however. “Entertainment center” does not match the earlier plan’s label for the top-left room, and “modern change” is an unnatural way to describe the library’s redesign. There are also spelling and form errors, including “cafe” and “non fictions.” More consistent use of the plan’s exact labels, alongside precise location vocabulary, would strengthen the description.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple statements and longer sentences with contrast, for example, “The entrance is at the same place” and the sentence beginning “Whereas on the west side…”. This shows some range, but several sentences are difficult to control, and errors sometimes obscure relationships between features. Examples include “The second map show,” where subject–verb agreement is incorrect, and “a enquiry desk,” where the article is wrong. The opening description also has faulty sentence boundaries and punctuation, while “a section of non fictions books are replaced” has problems with number and agreement. Review articles, singular/plural forms, verb agreement and sentence boundaries, and aim to make each location comparison a complete, clearly punctuated sentence.

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

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