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 diagrams illustrate Central Library before and after changes were made.

Clearly, the library has been updated to include dedicated spaces for events and now has an open space in the center.

Twenty years ago, on the left side of the entrance there was a reading room with newspapers and magazines and to the right there was an enquiry desk. Now there's a computer room on the left and a cafe on the side where information desk once was. Adult fiction has moved to the right-hand side of the room and all reference book are now on the left. There is a smaller information desk with self-service machines in what used to be adult non-fiction books section.

There was a room at the back left-hand corner that had CDs, videos and computer games that has since been enlarged and houses children's fictions. It has a space with sofas where storytelling events are held. There is a lecture room in the back right-hand corner where children's books used to be.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the library floor plan and provided a clear comparison between the two time periods. You covered all the key changes, such as the relocation of the information desk, the introduction of the cafe, and the repurposing of the back rooms. To reach a higher band, ensure you include a more comprehensive overview that synthesises the most significant trends, such as the shift from a traditional book-focused layout to a more modern, multi-functional space. While your summary is accurate, it could benefit from more precise grouping of information to highlight these broader changes more effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organised, with a clear progression from the general overview to specific details. You use paragraphing effectively to separate the different areas of the library. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat basic. You rely heavily on simple transitions like 'Now' and 'There is'. To improve, try incorporating a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas more fluidly, such as 'In contrast', 'Furthermore', or 'Subsequently'. Additionally, ensure that your referencing is always clear to avoid any ambiguity regarding which part of the library is being described.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'repurposed', 'enlarged', and 'dedicated spaces' appropriately. However, there are some minor inaccuracies and repetitive phrasing. For example, you use 'on the left' and 'on the right' multiple times, which makes the writing feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary your descriptive language by using more precise spatial vocabulary or synonyms for 'moved' and 'changed'. Expanding your range of collocations will help you achieve a more sophisticated tone suitable for an Academic Task 1 response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

Your writing shows a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, and your meaning is consistently clear. There are a few minor grammatical errors, such as 'all reference book are' (should be plural 'books') and 'adult non-fiction books section' (missing an article). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and article usage. Incorporating more varied complex structures, such as passive voice constructions to describe the changes, would also enhance your grammatical range.

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

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