Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The provided diagram compares the floor plan of a public library from two decades ago with its current layout.

Overall, the floor plan of the library has undergone significant changes over the past 20 years, with some areas remaining the same while others have been restructured or repurposed.

Initially, the entrance has remained in the same location, and the rooms at the bottom left and top right corners have retained their original size and shape. However, the former reading room on the left of the entrance has been replaced with a computer room, including changes in the door. Additionally, the area to the left of the entrance now houses all reference books instead of adult fiction books. The central tables have been removed, and a cafe has been added to the left side of the entrance, resulting in the elimination of the enquiry desk. Technological advancements have led to the inclusion of self-service machines in the right hall of the entrance. The previous space for CDs, videos, and computer games has been repurposed into a larger area for children’s fiction books, now featuring two added sofas.

The floor plan has experienced various transformations, adapting to contemporary needs. The central areas have been repurposed to include a computer room, a cafe, and self-service machines, reflecting the changing demands of library visitors. Furthermore, the layout now caters to different age groups with specific areas dedicated to children and adults, such as the children’s fiction section and the separate space for all reference books. Additionally, the removal of the central tables indicates a shift in the library’s function from a study area to a more socially oriented space, as indicated by the addition of sofas for storytelling events. Overall, the modern floor plan signifies a strategic reorganization to provide a more diverse and interactive library experience.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all key features of the floor plan changes. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as the repurposing of the reading room and the addition of the cafe and self-service machines. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the transformation. However, to reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise; for instance, you mention the removal of the enquiry desk, but it would be beneficial to explicitly contrast this with the new layout in a more direct manner. The inclusion of an analytical paragraph is a strong point, as it explains the 'why' behind the changes, which helps in fully developing the response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Initially', 'However', 'Additionally', and 'Furthermore', which guide the reader through the changes smoothly. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the descriptive analysis from the functional interpretation. The referencing is clear, and the flow between sentences is natural. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure supports the information well.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary suitable for describing diagrams and trends. Phrases like 'undergone significant changes', 'repurposed', 'strategic reorganization', and 'contemporary needs' show a level of sophistication. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more precise technical terms related to architectural layouts or specific library features could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is consistent and precise.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice constructions (e.g., 'has been replaced', 'have been removed'), which are appropriate for this task. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. There are no major grammatical slips that cause confusion. The use of participial phrases and relative clauses adds variety to your writing. The accuracy is high, and the sentence structures are varied enough to maintain interest and clarity throughout the response.

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