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 the Library from 20 years ago to the present.
Overall, there were significant changes in layout and the infrastructure of the building over the period.
In the past, CDs, videos and computer games were replaced with the storytelling events and children's fiction books that were relocated to the northeast corner of the central library. Furthermore, Children's books were replaced from lecture room that were northwest corner of the library. Moreover, 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 | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response attempts to summarise the main features of the library maps from 20 years ago and today, but it contains several inaccuracies regarding spatial relationships and features. For example, the student states that 'CDs, videos and computer games were replaced with the storytelling events and children's fiction books' in the northeast corner, whereas storytelling and children's fiction are in the top-left (northwest) area. Furthermore, the response is 146 words long, falling slightly short of the 150-word minimum requirement. Although an overview is present, the misinterpretation of locations and the under-length penalty limit the score.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The text is organised into four paragraphs, including a brief introduction and an overview. However, logical progression is hindered by confusing transitions and referencing errors, such as 'Furthermore, Children's books were replaced from lecture room that were northwest corner'. Cohesive devices are used mechanically ('Moreover', 'Similarly'), and referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial comparisons between the two maps.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The student attempts to use some task-specific vocabulary such as 'infrastructure', 'relocated', and 'eliminated'. However, there are notable lexical errors and awkward collocations throughout the text, such as 'the reading books were replaced to the computer room' and 'the Enquiry desk was replaced to the cafe'. The range of vocabulary is rather limited and repetitive, which impacts precision and style.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response includes a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but grammatical accuracy is weak. There are frequent errors in prepositions and relative clauses, such as 'were replaced from lecture room that were northwest corner' and 'the tables and chairs were eliminated that are centre to the library'. Verb tense and voice usage are also inconsistent, which occasionally impedes smooth communication.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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