Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-10

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 6.0)

The diagram illustrates the changes in floor plans occured in 20 years of the public library.

Overall, central library has made many changes within 20 years. The some difference in settings or some departments were replaced by something else. Some more additions occured.

Old building had an entrance at the middle of south position. As we entered, there was a reading room at the left hand side and at the right side there was an enquiry desk. Just adjacent to it there were section of adult non-fictional books. And as we went to to the north just beside it there was a children books room. As we went straight from the entrance just next to the reading room. Adult fictional books were there. Last but least there was a room of computer games, CDs and videos at the North West part in the library.

Twenty years later, entrance gate of the building was at the same place while the room of reading books was replaced by computer room. Just beside that room, there was a room of all the reference books. At far north west of the place, there was now a children fictional books. As we enter through the entrance, just at the right side, a cafe was made for refreshments. Adjacent to it there was an adult fictional books and it's information desk. At the extreme north east of the area, there was a lecture room.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the library's transformation. You provided a clear overview and described the layout changes for both time periods. However, the response lacks a clear, analytical comparison. Instead of simply listing the rooms in each period, you should focus on the 'changes'—for example, noting that the library shifted from a focus on traditional reading and book storage to a more modern, service-oriented space with a cafe and lecture room. The description of locations is sometimes imprecise (e.g., 'at the middle of south position'), which makes it harder for the reader to visualize the changes. To improve, ensure you synthesize the information rather than just listing it.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression from the past to the present. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'As we entered', 'Just adjacent to it', and 'As we went to' are used frequently, which makes the flow feel a bit simplistic. To reach a higher band, try to vary your transition words and use more sophisticated referencing (e.g., 'This area was subsequently converted into...'). The paragraphing is appropriate, but the internal flow within paragraphs could be smoother by using more varied linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the floor plan, using terms like 'enquiry desk', 'refreshments', and 'reference books'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as 'occured in 20 years of the public library' (should be 'over the past 20 years') and 'at the middle of south position' (should be 'in the center of the southern wall'). There is also some repetition of basic verbs. To improve, try to incorporate more precise descriptive language and ensure collocations are natural. The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with prepositions and articles (e.g., 'at the left hand side', 'at the right side', 'a room of computer games'). Some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'The some difference in settings or some departments were replaced by something else.' There are also minor punctuation and tense issues. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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