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)

The two diagrams illustrate the significant changes to the central public library between 20 years ago and today.

Overall, the library has several changes through the building structure. The renovation have made the library modern by adding adding some technological devices like computers and self-service machines. However, most facilities have been relocated while the entrance has stayed the same.

Starting with top surface of the building, the diagram captured a significant change in the computer games where it becomes more spacious to have storytelling events , this includes two new sofas for the comfort of the children. In addition, the children's books room has relocated and changed to the lecture room. In contrast, the tables & chairs that were situated in the center of the building no more exist. Moving to the right side of the center where it was for

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement. Furthermore, the response is incomplete, cutting off mid-sentence at the end. While you successfully identify some key changes, such as the addition of technology and the relocation of the children's area, the analysis is truncated and lacks a comprehensive overview of all features shown in the diagrams. To improve, ensure you complete the task by covering all areas of the floor plan and provide a clear, balanced summary that compares the 'before' and 'after' states fully. Meeting the word count is essential to allow for the necessary depth of analysis required for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay shows an attempt at logical organization, using an introductory paragraph and transition words like 'Starting with' and 'In contrast'. However, the abrupt ending prevents the development of a coherent structure. Paragraphing is present but limited by the unfinished nature of the text. To improve, ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and that you use a wider variety of cohesive devices to link ideas more fluidly. The current structure is too brief to demonstrate a high level of control over paragraphing and logical progression.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'renovation', 'relocated', and 'spacious' used appropriately. However, there are some repetitive phrasing choices and minor errors, such as 'top surface of the building' (which is not the standard way to describe a floor plan) and 'no more exist'. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to spatial descriptions, such as 'situated in the north-west corner' or 'undergone a transformation'. The range is currently limited by the incomplete nature of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are several grammatical errors in the text, such as 'The renovation have made' (subject-verb agreement) and 'adding adding' (repetition). The sentence structures are relatively simple, and the unfinished final sentence makes it impossible to assess your ability to use complex structures effectively. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and proofreading for mechanical errors. Aim to use a mix of simple and complex sentences to describe the changes, ensuring that your grammar remains accurate even when using more sophisticated structures.

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

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