Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-24
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 two maps show how the Central Library has changed over a period of 20 years. And the first changes happen in the top left corner - cds, videos, computer games changes in to storytelling event and children's fiction books and added some sofa to seat there and they remove adult fiction books and introduced all reference books and reading room ( newspapers and magazines ) changes in left side of the entrance to computer room and in the center they have removed some tables and chairs and they have shifted children’s to top right to top left corner and added their lecture room and they remove adult non-fiction books and added some self service book machines, information desk and adult fiction books and at the end they have removed enquiry desk( tickets, book returns, and etc ) and added some cafe to right side of the entrance there are many changes happen in 20.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main changes, but it lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant trends. The information is presented as a list of changes rather than a structured report. The description of the layout is somewhat confusing, as it jumps between different areas of the library without a logical flow. While the main features are identified, the lack of an introductory overview and the disorganized presentation of data prevent a higher score. To improve, you should group related changes (e.g., areas that were removed vs. areas that were added) and provide a clear summary statement at the beginning.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is written as a single, long paragraph, which makes it difficult to follow. There is a lack of paragraphing to separate the introduction, overview, and body details. Cohesive devices are largely absent; the text relies on repetitive 'and' connectors, such as 'and they remove', 'and introduced', and 'and added'. This creates a mechanical and repetitive flow. To improve, use a variety of linking words like 'furthermore', 'in contrast', 'previously', and 'subsequently' to guide the reader through the changes. Organizing the information into distinct paragraphs for different sections of the library would also significantly improve coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. You frequently use basic verbs like 'added', 'remove', and 'changes'. While you successfully name the library features (e.g., 'storytelling event', 'self-service book machines'), the range is not sufficient to demonstrate flexibility. There are also some awkward phrasings, such as 'changes in to storytelling event' and 'shifted children’s to top right'. To improve, try to use more precise verbs such as 'replaced', 'converted', 'relocated', or 'transformed' to describe the modifications. Expanding your vocabulary to include more descriptive terms for spatial changes will help you achieve a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The grammar is characterized by frequent errors in sentence structure and tense consistency. There are many run-on sentences, such as the final sentence which attempts to cover too much information without proper punctuation. Subject-verb agreement is inconsistent, for example, 'cds, videos, computer games changes in to'. Additionally, the use of articles and prepositions is often inaccurate, such as 'added some sofa to seat there'. The response relies almost entirely on simple sentence structures. To improve, focus on using a mix of complex sentences and ensure that your verb tenses are consistent when describing past and present states.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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