Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-22

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 image compares the library plan of two different years. Before 20 years ago, the library consisted of different sections for different age groups. There was a section for the adults as well as for the children. Moreover, the adult section was categorized into sections that consist of fictional and non-fictional books. There was a separte section for the children's reading books which is in front of the computer section. Futhermore, this section contained the CDs, videos and computer games. To the south of library, there were two rooms specified for the reading newspaper and magzine. While the other room was specified for the enquiry desk as well as issuance of books.

On the other hand, the cafe is introduced at the right from the entrance which is in front of computer room. There is a one section for the adults which contain both fictional and non-fictional books for the adults. The self-service machine has been observed behind the cafe which are 3 in number. There is a lecture room to the north corner of the library. While sitting area is place to the west-north corner of the library which also leads to the children's fiction book area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

The response identifies that the library has changed and mentions several relevant features, including the café, computer room, lecture room, children’s fiction area and self-service machines. However, the comparison is incomplete and several details are inaccurate or unclear. The earlier plan had separate adult fiction and non-fiction areas, but the current plan shows adult fiction books, with reference books in the former adult-fiction area; it does not show one adult section containing both types. The claim that the earlier children’s books were “in front of the computer section” is unsupported, and the current self-service machines are not behind the café. Important changes such as the removal of the central tables and the new information desk are omitted. A clearer overview and more accurate selection of major changes are needed.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response is divided into two paragraphs and uses basic signposting such as “Moreover,” “Furthermore” and “On the other hand,” so the reader can recognise an attempt to contrast the two plans. However, the progression is not consistently clear: the first paragraph moves between the earlier plan’s sections without a reliable spatial sequence, and the second lists current features without clearly comparing them with their former locations or functions. “This section” is also an unclear reference, while “While” begins a fragment-like transition after a full stop. Organise the report around an overview followed by the earlier layout and then the main changes, using precise location references and linking each change to its counterpart.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The response uses some task-relevant vocabulary, including “fictional and non-fictional books,” “enquiry desk,” “self-service machine” and “lecture room,” which helps communicate the general subject. However, word choice and collocation are often imprecise: “issuance of books” is not a natural description of book returns or borrowing, and “reading newspaper and magzine” is awkward. There are also spelling errors such as “separte,” “Futhermore” and “magzine.” Repetition of “section” and “specified” limits the range. Use standard map vocabulary such as “located,” “replaced,” “converted into” and “relocated,” and check spelling and natural combinations of words.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

There is some variety in sentence forms, including relative clauses (“which also leads to…”) and contrastive structures, and the main message is generally understandable. However, errors in sentence construction and agreement recur. For example, “There is a one section” has an incorrect article, while “The self-service machine … which are 3 in number” shifts between singular and plural. “There was a section … which is in front” also mixes past and present time, and “While the other room was specified…” is an incomplete sentence in this context. Articles and prepositions are sometimes awkward, as in “at the right from the entrance.” Practise consistent past-tense descriptions of the former plan and present-tense descriptions of the current one, and check each sentence for a complete clause and matching subject and verb.

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