Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-27

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 9.0)

The two maps illustrate how the layout of Central Library has changed over the past two decades.

Overall, the library has moved away from traditional print-based facilities such as physical media and a staffed enquiry desk, towards more interactive, technology-based, and social spaces, including a café, a computer room, and self-service machines. While the entrance and the general division of the building into two wings have remained the same, almost every room has been repurposed.

Looking at the upper section of the building first, the area that was previously used for CDs, videos, and computer games has been converted into a children's storytelling and sofa area, while the adjoining children's books section has been replaced by a lecture room. In the center the building, the circular tables and chairs that once stood in the middle of the library no longer exist; adult fiction books have been relocated to this central space, and an information desk has been added alongside it.

Turning to the lower half of the layout, the reading room, which had previously housed newspapers and magazines, has been transformed into a section for reference books, whereas the old enquiry desk, used for tickets and book returns, has been substituted with self-service machines. In addition, adult non-fiction books have been moved and rebranded as adult fiction, and two entirely new facilities, a computer room and a café, have been constructed near the entrance, areas that did not exist 20 years ago.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified the main features and provided clear comparisons between the two time periods. The overview is particularly strong, effectively summarising the shift from traditional print media to a more technology-oriented space. You have covered all parts of the task, including the repurposing of rooms and the addition of new facilities like the café and computer room. The information is well-selected and logically grouped, ensuring the reader gets a clear picture of the changes without unnecessary detail. This meets the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

Your writing is very well-structured. The use of paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that divide the library into upper and lower sections. You use a good range of cohesive devices such as 'while', 'whereas', 'in addition', and 'turning to', which help the reader follow the progression of your ideas smoothly. The referencing is precise, and the flow between sentences is natural. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary. Phrases like 'repurposed', 'traditional print-based facilities', 'substituted with', and 'rebranded' show a sophisticated command of language appropriate for an academic report. The word choices are precise and contribute to the clarity of your descriptions. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word choice, and your use of collocation is natural throughout the text. This level of lexical control is consistent with a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

Your grammatical control is excellent. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as passive constructions ('has been converted', 'have been relocated') and subordinate clauses, with high accuracy. Punctuation is used correctly to manage long sentences, and there are no errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you demonstrate a strong grasp of tense usage, particularly when contrasting the past state with the present. The writing is fluent and professional.

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