Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-17
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 4.5)
The diagram demonstrates the plan of public library floor current design and how it looked back 20 year ago .
Overall, the major changes involved the clearance of entrance area and all rooms again organized with different purposes.
20 year ago,when you walked through the entrance you saw tables& chairs in front of you. In the southeast corner of diagram you saw a room of enquiry desk where you bought tickets or return books etc and in front of this room in northeast corner you saw a room with children's books. In between the area was occupied with adult non-fiction books.On the right hand side, the roo
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 4.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is severely incomplete, cutting off mid-sentence after only 107 words, which fails to meet the minimum word count of 150 words. As a result, the student has only partially addressed the task, outlining a few features of the floor plans without providing a comprehensive summary or making sufficient comparisons. The introduction attempts to state the overall changes, but the lack of completion prevents a fully developed response. To achieve a higher band, the writer must ensure the word count requirement is met and cover the key features of both the past and present library layouts systematically.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.5
The essay displays some basic organisational structure, attempting an introduction followed by body details. However, because the text cuts off abruptly, it is difficult to evaluate paragraphing and logical progression fully. Cohesive devices are minimal, with simple transitions like 'Overall' and '20 year ago'. Referencing is occasionally confusing due to inaccurate spatial descriptions, such as misidentifying compass directions on the floor plan. Overall, the arrangement lacks cohesion and a complete organizational structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The lexical resource is limited and repetitive. The student uses basic vocabulary such as 'room', 'area', and 'tables & chairs', which directly lifts terms from the prompt without demonstrating a wider range. There are also noticeable lexical errors and awkward phrasings, such as 'clearance of entrance area' and 'rooms again organized with different purposes'. Spelling and word formation errors, such as missing plural markers ('20 year ago'), further restrict the lexical score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5
The grammar is characterized by a very limited range of structures, mostly simple sentences. There are frequent grammatical errors, such as missing articles ('plan of public library floor'), tense misuse ('current design and how it looked back 20 year ago'), and missing prepositions. The incomplete nature of the response means complex sentence structures are largely absent or left unfinished. Errors occasionally cause mild strain for the reader, but basic meaning remains mostly clear where sentences are completed.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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