Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-04

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows a town square and surrounding area in 2014 and the plans for development of the area to be completed by 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 5.0)

The given diagram illustrate a city square and nearby area in 2014 and the plans for evolution of the area to be completed by 2020 .

Overall there was a comparison between two plans and in different years . In year 2020 had a great growth while 2014 had least animities many shops and bars were built in 2020 .

While comparing both years fish market was replaced by huge supermarket . Plants beds were established in moderate year . History museum were superseded by local artist gallery . Shops were built in 2020 .covered seating were available in the front of entrance while bus stand was removed in new plans . Bars and restaurants were in the southern side .Fountain was in the center of building while town hall was in the same place . Fish restaurant were removed . Library was removed in 2020 . Moderate plans had a huge place and had many shops .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the diagram, such as the replacement of the fish market and the addition of shops. However, the overview is weak and lacks a clear summary of the most significant changes. Some information is inaccurate or confusing, such as the claim that the town hall was in the same place while also mentioning it was removed, or the vague reference to 'moderate year'. The response would benefit from a more structured approach that clearly contrasts the 2014 layout with the 2020 development plan, rather than listing features in a somewhat disjointed manner.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the internal structure is problematic. The progression of ideas is not always logical, and the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inaccurate. For instance, the transition 'While comparing both years' is followed by a list of features rather than a comparative analysis. Referencing is occasionally unclear, and the lack of effective linking words makes the text feel like a series of isolated sentences rather than a cohesive report. Improved use of transition signals would help the reader follow the development of the plan more easily.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and sometimes inappropriate for an academic report. There are several instances of word-choice errors, such as 'animities' (likely meaning amenities), 'evolution' (development is more suitable), and 'moderate year' (which is unclear). The repetition of basic verbs like 'built' and 'removed' limits the range. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of precision and the presence of spelling errors (e.g., 'animities') prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Expanding the range of descriptive vocabulary related to urban planning would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response relies on simple sentence structures with frequent grammatical errors. There are issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'diagram illustrate' and 'History museum were superseded'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with spaces missing before periods and erratic capitalization. While the meaning is usually clear, the frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction is noticeable and impacts the overall quality of the writing. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and ensuring consistent punctuation throughout the text.

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

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