Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-18
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 presents the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks now.
Overall, it is seen that, many changes have been made in the library. One of the major changes is the tables and chairs in the middle of the library which are seen as you enter inside the library are removed now.
Looking closely at the right side of the entrance a cafe has been built in the place of the enquiry desk and the information desk is moved to the middle along with adult fiction books
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under-length, containing only 94 words against the required 1,000% minimum of 150 words. Because of this severe penalty, Task Achievement is heavily impacted. Furthermore, the content only scratches the surface of the diagram, mentioning the removal of tables and chairs, the addition of a cafe, and the relocation of the information desk and adult fiction books. It completely omits numerous other major transformations, such as the additions of the lecture room, computer room, and self-service machines, resulting in a very partial coverage of the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The text is organized into three short paragraphs, including an introduction, an overview, and a brief body section. Cohesive devices are minimal, relying mostly on basic transition phrases like 'Overall, it is seen that' and 'Looking closely at'. The logical progression is somewhat hindered by the brevity of the response and abrupt transitions between ideas. Paragraphing is attempted, but the overall structure lacks the development needed for higher bands.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for basic communication, featuring common terms such as 'diagram', 'floor plan', 'library', 'changes', and 'tables and chairs'. However, the range is limited and repetitive. There are no attempts at sophisticated or less common lexical items, and phrases like 'entered inside' contain minor redundancy. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate, but vocabulary constraints limit the overall score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The text displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'One of the major changes is the tables and chairs... which are seen as you enter inside the library are removed now.' There are grammatical inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, including dangling modifiers and tense confusion around 'are removed now'. Punctuation is also sparse, with missing commas and periods at the ends of paragraphs. While communication is not severely impeded, the grammatical control is inconsistent.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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