Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)

The diagram compares the layout of a public library 20 years ago with its current arrangement.

Overall, the library has undergone significant changes over the period shown. Several sections have been redesigned to create more spaces for children and community activities, while some traditional facilities, such as the reading room and multimedia section, have been removed. Additionally, the enquiry desk has been replaced by an information desk.

Twenty years ago, the library consisted of six main areas. CDs, videos and computer games were located in the upper left corner, whereas children’s books were placed in the upper right area. Adult fiction and non-fiction books occupied the centre-left and centre-right sections respectively. A reading room with newspapers and magazines was situated in the lower left corner, opposite the enquiry desk near the entrance. In the centre of the library, there were tables and chairs for visitors.

At present, the left side of the library has been significantly altered to accommodate children’s facilities. The previous multimedia section and reading room have been replaced by children’s fiction books, a storytelling area and sofas. Meanwhile, the former children’s book section on the right side has been converted into a lecture room. Adult fiction books have remained in the same location, although the enquiry desk near the entrance has been replaced with an information desk.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

You have provided a clear and accurate summary of the changes shown in the floor plan. You successfully identified the main features, such as the removal of the reading room and the conversion of the children's area into a lecture room. The overview is well-constructed, highlighting the shift towards community-focused spaces. You have effectively compared the 'then' and 'now' states, meeting all requirements of the task. The information is logically grouped, and the comparison between the two time periods is clear and easy to follow throughout the response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. You use paragraphing effectively to separate the introduction, the overview, the past state, and the current state. Cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'meanwhile', and 'additionally' are used naturally to link sentences and clauses. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is logical, guiding the reader through the changes in the library layout without any confusion. The structure is coherent and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing diagrams and spatial changes. Phrases like 'undergone significant changes', 'accommodate children’s facilities', and 'converted into' are precise and well-suited to the task. There is a good level of flexibility in your word choice, and you avoid repetitive language. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms for 'placed' or 'located' could further elevate the response to a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

Your grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of complex sentence structures used throughout the text. You effectively use passive voice constructions, such as 'have been replaced' and 'has been converted', which is appropriate for describing changes in a layout. There are virtually no grammatical errors, and punctuation is used correctly. The control over sentence structure is strong, and the writing is fluent, making it very easy to read and understand.

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