Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-20

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 shows the modification plan of a public library over a period of 20 years. According to the diagram, there are many changes done in central library in the span of 20 years. The structure of the building and rooms in it are as it is but there is a variation of activities in the rooms. Many new things have been added, like a cafe, self-service booth, reference books etc.

The arrangement has changed; for example, the seating arrangement is modified. There were no self-service tables in old map. There was only an enquiry desk used for the tickets and book returns. In the new model, there is an information desk as well as a self-service booth.

On the left handside of entrance where there was reading room containing different newspaper and magazine, this room is now replaced by computer room. The room whih was previously used for children's book is now replaced with lecture room. it is on top right corner of map. The non-fiction books is removed and replaced by children and adults fiction books.

The cafe which was not present in previous diagram is now present in new one.

Many new things have been aadded in new map of central library.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the overall change from the earlier library layout to a more varied modern one, and several comparisons are accurate: the former reading room becomes a computer room, the children’s-books room becomes a lecture room, and a café is added. However, the overview is vague and partly misleading: the building’s structure is not simply unchanged, since the central tables and chairs have been removed and several spaces have been reorganised. Some details are also inaccurate or unclear. For example, the non-fiction area is replaced by all reference books, not by “children and adults fiction books”; children’s fiction is placed in the former CDs/videos room. To strengthen the response, give a clear overview of the main reorganisation and report the key changes more precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

The response has some paragraphing and uses basic links such as “for example,” “On the left handside,” and “The cafe.” This gives the reader a general sense that you are comparing the old and new plans. However, the information does not progress in a clear, systematic order: the opening repeats that there are many changes, and the final sentence repeats this without adding a new point. The description also jumps between the central area, left-side rooms, and the café, while some references such as “this room” and “it” require the reader to infer which space is meant. Organise the comparison by location or by major changes, and use clearer linking and reference to make the sequence easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant vocabulary for describing a library plan, including “enquiry desk,” “reading room,” “self-service,” and “replaced.” This shows a basic range suited to the task, but several choices are imprecise or repetitive, which limits clarity. “Self-service booth” and “self-service tables” do not accurately name the machines shown, while “many new things” is too general for a map description. There are also spelling errors, including “whih” and “aadded,” and “hand side” is written as one word. Aim for precise labels from the plan and vary repeated general terms with specific descriptions of rooms, facilities, and their locations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple sentences and longer structures, for example, “The room … is now replaced by computer room,” and “On the left handside of entrance where there was reading room…”. However, complex sentences are often difficult to follow, and errors occur frequently enough to affect fluency. Examples include “there are many changes done,” “the structure … and rooms … are as it is,” and “The non-fiction books is removed,” which show problems with verb forms, agreement, and sentence construction. Articles are also often missing, as in “by computer room” and “on top right corner.” Use shorter, complete sentences when describing each change, and check subject–verb agreement, articles, and consistent past-versus-present forms.

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.