Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-19

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 set of diagram illustrates the current and 2 decades earlier floor plan of a public library.

It can be observed that, 20 years ago, there were tables and chairs in the middle. In the north-west corner there was a section for CDs, videos and computer games. In the south side, reading room is located which was used for magazines and newspapers. Adult fiction books were available between this two. Children's books which were situated in the north-east side. There was a enquiry desk used for enquiry about tickets and book returns. Entrance is situated in the south side.

It can be seen that, at the moment, children's books section has been replaced by lecture room. A cafe has been constructed instead of enquiry desk. In the east side, self-service machines have been installed with information desk. Adult non-fiction books replaced by fiction books. A Reading room has been removed and replaced by a computer room. In the north-west corner, two sofa have been added with children's fiction books. Tables and chairs have been removed from middle.

Overall, although there were limited facilities available in central library earlier, more amenities have been added such as lecture room, cafe, computer room and sofa at a central library.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all key features of the floor plan, identifying the major changes such as the replacement of the reading room and the addition of the cafe. However, the overview is somewhat weak; while it mentions the addition of amenities, it could more effectively highlight the overall shift in the library's function from a traditional reading space to a more modern, multi-purpose facility. The description of locations is generally accurate, though some comparisons are slightly repetitive in structure. To reach a higher band, ensure the overview synthesizes the information more holistically rather than just listing changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with a clear separation between the past and present states. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'It can be observed that' and 'It can be seen that', though these become somewhat repetitive. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the transition between the description of the past and the present could be smoother. The use of referencing is mostly effective, although the connection between sentences occasionally feels mechanical. Improving the variety of linking words would enhance the flow of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing for a clear description of the library's features. You use specific terms like 'floor plan', 'amenities', and 'self-service machines' correctly. However, there are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'two sofa' (should be plural 'sofas') and 'between this two' (should be 'these two'). The range is sufficient to convey the necessary information, but it lacks the more sophisticated, precise collocations that would demonstrate a wider, more flexible range of vocabulary required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'The set of diagram illustrates' (should be 'The set of diagrams illustrates' or 'The diagram illustrates') and 'Adult non-fiction books replaced by fiction books' (missing a verb, e.g., 'were replaced'). Additionally, there are minor issues with articles and pluralization, such as 'in a central library' instead of 'in the central library'. These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the score as they occur with some frequency.

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

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