Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-02

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 pictures show the setting of library from different time periods.

In first picture we see the sitting arrangements in middle of room with fiction and non fiction in both sides of Children books are in one corner and CD , video games are in other Enquiry desk and

reading room is close to entrance.

If we look at the picture after twenty years,we see that lecture room is in one corner and children story telling and fiction books with sitting arrangements in other Adults fiction books are in right side of library in centre with information desk and self service matchines.All reference books are in left side in the center of library.Cafe and computer room is close to the entrance of the library.

Too much changes have been observed in setting of the library now and twenty years ago.These changes are attractive and according to age and time requirements.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

The response addresses the task only partially, presenting a summary of the floor plans with limited development. While some main features are mentioned, such as the addition of the lecture room, café, and computer room, the comparison lacks structure and clarity. Important overviews are absent, and the description relies heavily on a disjointed listing of rooms rather than a well-organised report of key changes over the twenty-year period. To improve, the writer needs to provide a clear, distinct overview of the main trends and select more salient features to compare systematically between the two diagrams.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

There is some organisation, but the response lacks a clear overall progression. The essay is divided into three very brief paragraphs, but the internal structuring within paragraphs is weak. Ideas are strung together with basic connectors like 'and' or 'If we look at', resulting in a lack of smooth transitions. Cohesive devices are inadequate and mechanical, and referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial relationships between the various rooms. Better paragraphing, with an introduction, an overview, and clearly demarcated body paragraphs detailing specific spatial shifts, is required for progression.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is limited and barely adequate for the task. The writer attempts some topic-specific terms such as 'sitting arrangements', 'fiction and non-fiction', and 'lecture room', but there are noticeable errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'matchines' instead of 'machines'. The range of vocabulary remains restricted, and repetitive phrasing is evident. To reach a higher band, the student must incorporate a wider variety of precise, less common lexical items related to maps and spatial descriptions, alongside accurate word forms and correct spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response displays a very limited range of grammatical structures. Most sentences are simple or attempt complex forms that result in faulty construction, such as run-on sentences lacking appropriate punctuation. There are frequent errors in articles, prepositions, and punctuation, for example, missing commas and capitalization issues like 'Children books are in one corner and CD , video games are in other'. These errors occur frequently and can occasionally cause difficulty for the reader in discerning the exact meaning. To improve, the writer should focus on mastering basic sentence boundaries, correct article usage, and accurate prepositional phrasing.

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

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