Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-30
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 illustrates the current layout design of the central library and how it looks like 20 years ago.
Overall, numerous changes had been witnessed after redesigning of the library. They have developed a lecture room, a cafe, a computer room, storytelling events, all reference books and also many noticeable changes.
Twenty years ago, the main entrance was at bottom of the diagram. After entering by main gate on the left side there was a reading room where people read newspapers and magazines. Above of reading room the place was used as adult fiction books. The computer ames, videos and CDs were also provided to public on the top left corner of library. On the right side of library there was a enquiry desk, adult non-fiction books and also a room for children books. Moreover, in main hall the tables and chairs were arranged.
At present, they build a cafe in and also facility for giving lectures is provided in library on the right side of diagram. In center of lecture room and cafe they developed a session for self-service machines and also adult fiction books. On the right side of library they construct held storytelling event.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5
The student attempts to describe the changes to the central library over a 20-year period, but the response falls short in several areas. While an overview is attempted, it lacks clarity and precision. The selection of features is somewhat confused, and there are notable inaccuracies in locating and naming features compared to the provided visual data (for instance, the placement of the café, lecture room, and storytelling events is mixed up). Key comparisons between the past and present layouts are poorly articulated, leading to an under-developed response. To achieve a higher band, the writer needs to provide a clearer overview of the main global changes and accurately report specific spatial details without mixing up locations.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The essay is divided into paragraphs, which provides a basic structural framework. However, the logical progression is weak. The second paragraph attempts an overall summary but reads more like a disjointed list of features. Paragraphing within the body is erratic, and referencing or cohesive devices are often mechanical or misused, as seen in transitions like 'After entering by main gate on the left side...' and 'At present, they build a cafe...'. The relationship between ideas within and across sentences is not always clear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial transformations smoothly.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'numerous changes had been witnessed' and 'they have developed' demonstrate a limited range suitable for this task. There are several inappropriate lexical choices, such as 'computer ames' (typographical error), 'session for self-service machines', and 'construct held storytelling event'. Spelling and word formation errors occasionally cause difficulty for the reader. To improve, the student should incorporate a wider variety of precise vocabulary specifically suited to describing architectural and layout changes, such as 'replaced', 'converted', and 'relocated'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5
The response displays a very limited range of grammatical structures. Simple sentences predominate, and attempts at more complex structures frequently result in grammatical errors, missing prepositions, or awkward phrasing (e.g., 'Above of reading room the place was used as adult fiction books', 'At present, they build a cafe in and also facility for giving lectures is provided'). Errors in tense consistency, article usage, and prepositions are frequent and consistently distract the reader, although basic meaning is usually recoverable. Greater control over sentence architecture and tense agreement is necessary.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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