Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The diagrams illustrate the layout of the Central Library 20 years ago and at present.

Overall, the central library underwent many significant changes. The enquiry desk was replaced by a cafe. In addition, the reading room was converted into a computer room, while tables and chairs in the center of the library were removed and sofas were added to the children's fiction books area.

An analysis of the image reveals that the northwest side of the library, which previously contained CDs, videos and computer games, was replaced by an area for storytelling events and children's fiction books, with two sofas. Moreover, the adult fiction books were replaced by all reference books. Just below this area, the reading room which contained newspapers and magazines, was converted into a computer room.

From the image, it is evident that the northeast side of the library contained the children's books section which has now been replaced by a lecture room. In addition, the adult non-fiction books were replaced by adult fiction books with an information desk and three self-service machines. Furthermore, the enquiry desk, where people could book tickets, return books were replaced by a cafe.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all key changes in the library layout, providing a clear overview and specific details. You successfully identified the main transformations, such as the conversion of the reading room to a computer room and the replacement of the enquiry desk with a cafe. The information is accurate and relevant. To reach a higher band, ensure that the comparison between the two time periods is more integrated. While you mention changes, explicitly contrasting the 'then' and 'now' more fluidly would enhance the report. Overall, you have addressed all parts of the task effectively and provided a clear summary of the main features.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore' to link ideas. However, some of these transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each paragraph focusing on a specific area of the library. To improve, try to vary your cohesive devices and ensure that the progression of information feels more natural. For instance, instead of starting multiple sentences with 'In addition', consider using more sophisticated linking phrases or subordinating conjunctions to connect related changes.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'converted', 'replaced', and 'underwent'. The language is generally precise and appropriate for a report. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more varied and less common lexical items related to spatial changes or architectural descriptions. For example, instead of repeating 'replaced', you could use 'transformed into', 'superseded by', or 'repurposed as'. This would demonstrate a more flexible and sophisticated control of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and grammatically accurate. There are minor issues, such as the missing preposition in 'return books were replaced' (should be 'and the return of books were replaced'). You show good control over passive voice, which is essential for this type of task. To improve, aim for more complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or participial phrases to combine information. For example, 'The reading room, which previously housed newspapers, has been converted into a computer room' is more fluent than two separate simple sentences.

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

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