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 diagram illustrates the floor plan of a public library 20 years earlier and its present-day layout.

Overall, it is clear that the library had undergone major changes that brought several amenities in the left and right wing of the library however, the structure remained unchanged. Earlier the tables and chairs were placed in the center of the library, but it no longer exists currently.

The present plan depicts that the computer room games room on top left corner from entrance was replaced by room for children's fiction books, just next to it is all reference book room which is in between computer room a

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response4.0
Coherence and Cohesion5.0
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely limits the ability to fully address the task. While you have attempted to identify some changes, the description is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence. To achieve a higher band, you must provide a comprehensive summary of all key features shown in the diagram, including comparisons between the two time periods. Because the response is unfinished and lacks sufficient detail to cover the main features of the floor plan, it fails to meet the basic requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response shows a basic attempt at organization with an introduction and an overview. However, the abrupt ending prevents a logical flow or a complete structure. Cohesive devices are minimal, and the lack of completion makes it difficult to assess the overall progression of ideas. To improve, ensure that each paragraph is fully developed and that you use linking words (e.g., 'furthermore', 'in contrast', 'consequently') to connect your observations about the library's layout changes effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is generally appropriate for describing a floor plan, such as 'layout', 'amenities', and 'depicts'. However, the range is quite limited due to the short length of the text. There are also some minor errors in word choice and phrasing, such as 'computer room games room' which lacks a conjunction or punctuation. To improve, try to incorporate more precise descriptive language regarding spatial relationships, such as 'situated in the northern quadrant' or 'adjacent to'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures. There are grammatical errors, such as 'it no longer exists currently' (redundancy) and 'all reference book room' (missing articles). The sentence structure is interrupted by the incomplete nature of the text. To improve, focus on using accurate articles and prepositions when describing locations, and ensure that your sentences are complete and grammatically sound before moving on to the next point.

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

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