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 given map shows the modification of a public library how it looks before two decades and today. We can see a miserable change in the library.
Firstly, when we entered into the library, we saw the tables and chairs in-front of us but now it is totally changed and that place is free now. Secondly, we can notice that at the left top corner, there was an entertainment and games section but now it was changed into the children's fiction books and discussion for the memories along with sofas. Thirdly, below that section, adult books section is replaced by all reference books section and reading room is completely turned into computer room.
In addition, they introduced a cafe in replacement of enquiry desk, where anyone can sit and enjoy the adorable atmosphere there. Moreover, adult informational book is replaced by adult storytelling books, as-well-as, installation of self-service machines there and in the middle of these sections, there is an information desk is created. In the last, children's book section on the right top corner is occupied by lecture room.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response attempts to describe the changes shown in the library maps, but it struggles significantly with tone, objectivity, and accuracy. The writer uses subjective, conversational language completely inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 essay, such as 'We can see a miserable change in the library' and 'anyone can sit and enjoy the adorable atmosphere there.' Furthermore, there are several misreadings of the visual data: the enquiry desk was located at the bottom-right 20 years ago, not replaced by a café (the café is a new addition in the bottom right where there was previously open space/walls), and adult non-fiction/fiction sections are misreported. While the main features are touched upon, the lack of an overarching summary, presence of inaccuracies, and highly informal register limit this to Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The essay is divided into paragraphs using basic sequence markers ('Firstly', 'Secondly', 'In addition', 'Moreover', 'In the last'). However, the overall organizational structure lacks a proper introduction and an overview statement, which are vital for a high-scoring Academic Task 1 response. Cohesive devices are sometimes used mechanically or awkwardly, such as 'In the last', and referencing is occasionally confusing (e.g., 'that place is free now'). Paragraphing is attempted but ideas within paragraphs are clumped together rather than logically and smoothly progressed. This demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 5.5 performance.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is generally basic and repetitive ('changed', 'section', 'replaced'). More importantly, the tone is conversational and subjective rather than formal and academic ('miserable change', 'adorable atmosphere', 'discussion for the memories'). There are also lexical inaccuracies and awkward collocations, such as 'adult informational book' and 'adult storytelling books' (the plan shows 'Adult fiction books' and 'Storytelling events'). The range of vocabulary is limited and inadequate for precision in describing spatial changes and architectural conversions, placing this firmly at Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The text displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but control is inconsistent. There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, including 'when we entered into the library, we saw' (unnecessary preposition 'into', mixing narrative pronouns 'we' into an academic task), 'now it was changed' (tense inconsistency), 'there is an information desk is created' (double verb structure error), and 'as-well-as' used incorrectly as a connector. Punctuation is also faulty in places, such as comma splices and run-on structures. These errors cause some difficulty for the reader and reflect a Band 5.0 level of grammatical control.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.