Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-05

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 5.0)

The maps illustrate the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and its current layout.

overall , library became more modern and changed. new facilities added rearrangement of several sections.

Looking at the first map, there were four different sections in each corner, while two tables with chairs were located in the centre of the library.

There was adult fiction books between games and reading room .

There was adult non fiction books opposite the adult fiction books and between childrens books and enquiry desl at the same time .

looking at the second map , childerens book was converted into lecture room meanwhile enquiry desk was converted into cafe .

storytelling events and sofas were added . Reading room was converted into computer room and every sections were changed already . İnformation desk and delf service machines were added between cafe and lecture room and tables and chairs were removed

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the library's transformation, identifying key changes such as the conversion of the children's area and the enquiry desk. However, the overview is very brief and lacks a clear summary of the most significant trends. While the response identifies specific changes, it lacks a cohesive structure to compare the two time periods effectively. Some details, such as the removal of tables and chairs, are mentioned, but the overall reporting is somewhat fragmented. To improve, ensure the overview highlights the most striking changes (e.g., the modernization of facilities) rather than just listing individual room conversions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organized into short, somewhat disjointed paragraphs. There is a lack of logical progression between sentences, and the use of cohesive devices is minimal and often mechanical (e.g., 'Looking at the first map', 'looking at the second map'). The paragraphing is insufficient, as the introduction and body are not clearly separated, and the overall flow is hindered by the lack of linking words to connect the comparisons. To reach a higher band, you should use a wider range of cohesive devices to link ideas and ensure each paragraph has a clear focus.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'every sections were changed' and 'rearrangement of several sections' are functional but lack precision. There are several spelling errors, such as 'desl' for 'desk' and 'delf service' for 'self-service', as well as capitalization issues (e.g., 'İnformation'). The range of vocabulary is limited to the names of the rooms and basic verbs like 'added' or 'converted'. To improve, try to incorporate more varied descriptive language to describe the changes, such as 'transformed', 'relocated', or 'expanded'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede readability. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'library became', 'every sections were changed') and missing articles (e.g., 'between games and reading room'). Punctuation is also problematic, with inconsistent capitalization and spacing around commas. The sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences are often marred by errors. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction, ensuring that articles and plural forms are used correctly, and proofread for punctuation and capitalization consistency.

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

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