Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-26
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 map illustrates the changes to public library from 20 years ago to the present.
Overall, there were clear replaced in building setup and the infrastructure of the Central library over the period.
In the past, CDs, videos, computer games were replaced with the storytelling events and children's fiction books that were relocated with northeast corner of the library. Children's books were replaced from lecture room that were northwest corner of the library. The tables and chairs were eliminated that are centre to the library and front of the entrance, and adult non-fiction books were replaced with the information desk.
Similarly, the reading books were replaced to the computer room that were northeast corner of the library. Moreover, the Enquiry desk was replaced to the cafe that were southwest corner of the library, and adult fiction books were replaced to All reference books.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5
The response attempts to summarize the changes shown in the floor plans, but it falls short of the 150-word minimum, containing only 143 words. Furthermore, there are significant misinterpretations of the visual data. The student frequently misuses the verb 'replaced' to describe spatial relocations or conversions (e.g., stating that CDs, videos, and computer games were 'replaced' with storytelling events, or that the enquiry desk was 'replaced to the cafe'). While the overview mentions clear changes, the detailing of specific spatial shifts is confused and inaccurate regarding the layout today, resulting in a partial fulfillment of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response lacks a clear paragraph structure, being presented in a very brief introduction followed by two dense blocks of text that fail to organize information logically. Cohesive devices are weak and repetitive, and referencing is often confusing (e.g., 'that were northeast corner of the library'). The progression of ideas is difficult to follow because spatial relationships between the past and present layouts are muddled. Paragraphing is inadequate for an Academic Task 1 response.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The lexical range is quite limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic vocabulary and incorrect lexical choices. Words are frequently misused, such as 'replaced' used instead of 'converted', 'relocated', or 'transformed'. Phrases like 'building setup' and 'infrastructure of the Central library' demonstrate a limited grasp of appropriate collocation for describing architectural diagrams. Spelling is generally acceptable, but word choice errors frequently impede clear communication of the visual data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The student attempts some complex structures, but these are often faulty or awkward, such as 'Children's books were replaced from lecture room that were northwest corner of the library.' Prepositional usage is notably weak (e.g., 'replaced to the cafe' instead of 'replaced by the café' or 'converted into a café'). While some simple sentences are grammatically acceptable, persistent errors in clause structures and prepositions lower the overall accuracy of the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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