Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-16

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 given diagrams illustrate the floor layout of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks now after redevelopment of it.

According to the diagrams, the entrance gate of library is located at the centre of the south side in both given layout. Before 20 years, tables and chairs were located at centre of the library, which is removed in present plan. The reading room was located at left side of the entrance and the enquiry desk was located at the right side, which is replaced by computer room and café respectively. Additionally, the adult fiction books was located at centre left corner. At the opposite side, Adult non-fiction books section was situated.

Now, instead of the adult fiction books corner, all reference books are located. At the opposite side, Adult fiction books and information desk are located. Also, some self-service machines are situated. At the upper side of this corner, lecture room is located, instead of children's books. Before 20 years, at the north-west side of the library, CDs, video and computer games sections were located, which are replaced by sofa, storytelling events and children's fiction books.

Overall, the whole structure of library before 20 years and now is a significant different. Most of the sections are relocated and new facilities are added.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the library floor plan effectively. You have successfully identified the key changes, such as the replacement of the enquiry desk with a café and the relocation of various sections. However, the overview is somewhat weak; it lacks a clear summary of the most significant trends, such as the shift from a traditional book-focused space to a more modern, multi-functional facility. While you mention that the structure is 'a significant different', this could be more precisely articulated to highlight the transformation of the library's purpose.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, moving from an introduction to the main body and a concluding overview. You use some cohesive devices like 'Additionally' and 'Instead of', which help the flow. However, the progression within paragraphs could be smoother. Some sentences feel like a list of locations rather than a cohesive comparison. Using more varied linking phrases to contrast the past and present, such as 'In contrast to the former layout' or 'Whereas previously', would improve the logical flow and cohesion of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the floor plan, using terms like 'redevelopment', 'layout', and 'relocated'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'a significant different' should be 'a significant difference', and 'at the centre of the south side' is slightly clunky. The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. Expanding your repertoire to include more descriptive verbs and precise spatial terminology would enhance your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles and subject-verb agreement, such as 'the entrance gate of library' (should be 'the library') and 'adult fiction books was located' (should be 'were'). Additionally, 'before 20 years' is an unnatural phrasing; 'twenty years ago' is the standard expression. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on proofreading for basic articles and pluralization would be highly beneficial.

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

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