Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-11
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 diagram illustrates the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks now.
Overall Both of the diagrams show central libraries, one is twenty years ago and other is today, both have a main entrance and many rooms for different purposes.
Central library 20 years ago has tables and chairs right infront of the entrance and in the right side of entrance is an Enquiry desk. Childern's books are placed on upper right corner room and Adults non-fiction books are in the right side of table and chairs while Adults books are in the left side. In the left side of entrance is a reading room and the left upper corner room is for CDs, videos and computer games.
Central library today starts from entrance and in the right side of entrance is cafe and in the left a computer room. All reference books a
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is incomplete, as it cuts off abruptly mid-sentence. While the introduction and the description of the library 20 years ago are present, the description of the current library is severely underdeveloped. Because the response fails to complete the summary of the main features and does not provide the necessary comparisons between the two time periods, it fails to address all parts of the task. The information provided is accurate as far as it goes, but the lack of a conclusion or a full description of the current layout significantly limits the achievement of the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into short paragraphs, which is a positive start. However, the progression of ideas is interrupted by the abrupt ending. Cohesive devices are used in a very basic and repetitive manner, such as 'in the right side' and 'in the left side'. There is a lack of sophisticated linking words to connect the comparison between the two time periods. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the overall structure is compromised by the incomplete nature of the text, making it difficult to follow the logical flow of the comparison.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. The student relies heavily on basic directional language like 'right side' and 'left side' rather than using more precise descriptive vocabulary. There are also spelling errors, such as 'infront' (in front) and 'Childern's' (Children's). The range of vocabulary is insufficient to demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands. While the words used are generally understandable, they do not show an attempt to use less common lexical items or precise terminology related to floor plans or architectural changes.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. For example, 'one is twenty years ago and other is today' lacks proper articles and comparative structure. There are also issues with preposition usage and subject-verb agreement, such as 'Central library 20 years ago has tables'. The incomplete sentence at the end further detracts from the grammatical accuracy. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of complex structures and the presence of persistent errors in basic grammar limit the score.
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