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 illustration depicts the changes made to a public library over the last 20 years.

Overall, the library has changed considerably with the introduction of a lecture room and several other new features that can be seen in the second diagram. The layout is now more logically organized, with clearer divisions between different sections.

Looking at the maps in more detail, we can see that a lecture room has been introduced in the top-right section of the library, replacing the previous children's books area. The top-left area, once used for CDs, videos, and computer games, is now a storytelling events space with sofas. In the same section as the lecture room, an information desk and self-service machines have been added alongside the adult fiction books.

The tables and chairs, which used to be placed in the middle of the library, have now been completely removed. The reading room, which was used for newspapers and magazines, has been replaced by a computer room. Moreover, the enquiry desk, which was at the bottom-right corner, has been developed into a café. The adult fiction books section has been moved from the left to the right side, and in its old location, an all-reference books section has been developed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have successfully identified the main features of the library's transformation, such as the addition of the lecture room and the café, and the relocation of various sections. The overview provides a clear summary of the changes, and the body paragraphs are well-structured to facilitate comparison between the two time periods. You have highlighted key shifts, such as the removal of tables and chairs and the repurposing of the reading room. The information is accurate and well-selected, ensuring the reader gets a clear picture of the spatial changes without unnecessary detail.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from an introduction to detailed body paragraphs. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Looking at the maps in more detail', 'In the same section', and 'Moreover' helps to guide the reader through the changes smoothly. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the specific details. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is consistent throughout the text, making it easy to follow the comparison between the two floor plans.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'repurposing', 'introduced', 'developed', and 'logically organized'. The terminology is precise and appropriate for describing a floor plan. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be further enhanced with more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing demonstrates a good command of complex sentence structures, such as the use of relative clauses ('which used to be placed', 'which was used for newspapers') and passive voice constructions ('has been introduced', 'have been removed'). The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly to support the structure of the sentences. The majority of the sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and aspect is consistent with the requirements of describing past and present states.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.