Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-22
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 stipulated maps compares the information regarding the structure of central library today and 20 years ago
Overall,it is crystal clear that dramatic changes have been made through out the years
To commence with,20 years ago in library in the north-east direction there was a room include CDs with videos and computer games just behind it there was section of adult fiction books and in east-south direction there was a reading room of newspapers and magazines.Moreover,in the direction of north-west side there was a room of children books and adult non-fiction books just beside the children books room.Further,the entrance was in south in centre direction which leads to table and chairs in the centers
Moving ahead, in today time
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 fails to meet the minimum length requirement of 150 words, stopping abruptly at only 119 words after getting cut off in the second body paragraph. Consequently, the description of the library layout is incomplete, missing the entire 'today' map and any meaningful comparisons between the two time periods. While the overview statement attempts to highlight overall changes ('dramatic changes have been made through out the years'), the lack of completion heavily impacts task fulfilment. Because the response is significantly under-length and leaves out half the visual data, it cannot achieve a passing band for task achievement, earning a Band 4.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The student attempts to use sequencing phrases such as 'To commence with', 'Moreover', and 'Moving ahead' to structure the response. However, the logical progression is hindered by spatial confusion (misidentifying compass directions on the map) and the fact that the text cuts off prematurely. Paragraphing is initiated but disrupted by the incomplete second paragraph. Referencing is occasionally unclear, and overall cohesion feels somewhat mechanical. Meeting the word count and completing the description would greatly enhance the organizational flow. Based on the available text, a Band 5.0 is appropriate.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student demonstrates a basic vocabulary suited to describing locations and general features, using terms such as 'structure', 'room', 'section', and 'entrance'. However, the range is limited and repetitive, with awkward phrasing like 'in east-south direction' and 'in south in centre direction'. There are also minor mechanical and spelling issues ('through out' instead of 'throughout', 'maps compares' agreement error). Uncommon lexical items are largely absent, restricting the score to a Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The text contains a mix of simple sentences and attempted complex structures, but grammatical control is weak. There are noticeable subject-verb agreement errors ('The stipulated maps compares'), missing articles ('in library', 'of children books'), and incorrect prepositional usage ('in the direction of north-west side'). Furthermore, punctuation is largely neglected, with missing spaces after commas and an incomplete sentence structure where the text cuts off. These frequent errors cause some difficulty for the reader, placing the grammar at a Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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