Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-27

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 compares the changes happen in a public library from twenty years ago to today.

Overall, the layout of public library undergoes a massive transformation in twenty years. There are noticeable changes in sitting areas to books arrangements and some features were added.

According to information provided in diagram, the most prominent addition in central library is a cafeteria and self-service machines for the convenience of users and enquiry desk is converted into information desk. Reading room for newspapers and magazine is now converted into computer room. Children`s books section now replaced with lecture room.

Moreover, CDs, videos, computer games room is transformed into storytelling events and children`s fiction books area with addition of sofas for sitting with little expanding of the area. Adult fiction books are moved next to information desk and all reference books are placed on that section. Table and chairs are removed from main hall for free movement.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The student attempts to address the task by comparing the two diagrams of the public library, identifying several key transformations such as the addition of a cafeteria, self-service machines, and the conversion of rooms. However, the response lacks a clear, well-developed overview, which is a vital requirement for Academic Task 1. Furthermore, some of the spatial descriptions and mappings are inaccurate or confused when compared to the source data (for instance, misstating how specific sections were replaced or moved). While main features are mentioned, the lack of precise reporting and a cohesive summary limits the task achievement to a Band 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has an introduction, body, and basic organization, but the overall progression of ideas feels disjointed. Paragraphing is attempted, but sentences within paragraphs do not always flow logically together. Cohesive devices are used sparingly and sometimes mechanically (e.g., 'According to information provided in diagram,' 'Moreover,'). There are issues with referencing and transition between spatial locations, which makes following the comparison slightly confusing for the reader. These features align with the Band 5 descriptors.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate to communicate basic ideas about the library layout, but it is repetitive and limited in range. There are several noticeable word choice and collocation errors, such as 'changes happen' instead of 'changes that happened', 'sitting areas to books arrangements' instead of 'seating areas to book arrangements', and 'little expanding of the area'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with limited success. Spelling is generally acceptable, but overall lexical control reflects a Band 5.0 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but attempts at complex structures frequently contain grammatical errors. Examples include missing articles ('in diagram', 'in central library'), incorrect verb tenses and forms ('the layout of public library undergoes', 'Children`s books section now replaced with'), and prepositions. Frequent grammatical errors cause some difficulty for the reader and impede smooth comprehension. These characteristics correspond to a Band 5.0 performance.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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