Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-02

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)

Writing Task 1

The diagram shows the comparison of floor of public library before and after 20 years. In this long era many things have been changed in library.

At first we talk about the central library 20 years before, it has only one entrance and infront of the door there many tables and chairs for students. On the top left there is a computer game room and top right there is a section of children's book. In addition to at the middle of library there are two sections besides one is fiction books and the second one is non-fiction books. At last bottom left one space is for reading room and the top right is information desk.

In second paragraph when we compared to the new version of library to the old one there are

many changes. In new library after entrance at bottom left there is a computer room and bottom right there is a small cafe but instead of in ancient version of library reading and information places are available.

In the middle left side of library there is all reference books and middle right side divide into 3 sections Adult fiction books, Information desk and self-service machines. On top left of new library there are two rooms one is story telling events and the other one is children fiction books but in top right there is only lecture room.

In conclusion the old library has changed into the so new library with some advanced and significant features.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the library floor plan, but the description is often inaccurate. For example, you state the computer game room was on the top left 20 years ago, but the diagram shows it on the top right. Similarly, your description of the current layout contains several spatial errors, such as misplacing the lecture room. While you attempt to compare the two versions, the lack of precision in reporting the visual data prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure you carefully cross-reference your text with the diagram to confirm that locations and features are accurately described.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally confusing. Phrases like 'At first we talk about' and 'In second paragraph when we compared' are not appropriate for academic writing. Furthermore, the progression of ideas is hindered by the lack of clear referencing; for instance, 'besides one is fiction books' is grammatically unclear and disrupts the flow. Using more sophisticated linking words such as 'whereas', 'subsequently', or 'in contrast' would improve the logical flow between sentences and paragraphs.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally limited and repetitive. You rely on basic descriptors like 'top left', 'middle', and 'bottom right' throughout the response. There are also some awkward word choices, such as 'in ancient version of library' (the library is not ancient, just older) and 'so new library'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to spatial descriptions and changes, such as 'relocated', 'replaced by', 'transformed into', or 'situated in the corner'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help you describe the layout more effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with article usage ('infront of the door', 'in middle of library'), subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure. For example, 'the old library has changed into the so new library' is awkward and grammatically incorrect. While you attempt some complex sentences, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction and ensure correct use of prepositions and articles. Proofreading for common errors like missing 'the' or incorrect verb tenses will significantly enhance the quality of your writing.

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

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