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 maps illustrate the changes made to the layout of a public library floor over the period of 20 years.

Overall, the central library underwent significant changes, including the addition of an information desk, self-service machines, and sofas. In addition, the reading room and children's books were replaced by a computer room and a lecture room respectively, while

the tables and chairs area was demolished.

Before the redesign, the tables and chairs area was situated in the center of the library infront of the main entrance, furthermore adult fiction and non-fiction books sections were positioned to the right and left of the dining area. The enquiry desk was located in the south-eastern part of the library and a reading room adjacent to the entrance. Children's books and enjoyment facilities were located on the northern side.

After 20 years, the dining area was demolished, whereas the reading, children's books rooms were converted into a computer, lecture rooms respectively as well as the enquiry desk was transformed into a new shape and replaced with a cafe. In addition, a information desk and self-service machines were added to the right of the cafe. In terms of enjoyment area, which was replaced with serveral facilities like children's fiction books, storytelling events and a sofa sitting was introduced. Meanwhile, the main entrance remained unchanged.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.0
Coherence and Cohesion6.5
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.5
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the library floor plan and provided a clear overview of the changes. You covered the key transformations, such as the replacement of the reading room and the addition of the cafe and self-service machines. However, there are some inaccuracies in your reporting; for example, you mention a 'dining area' being demolished, which is not present in the original diagram, and you describe the enquiry desk being replaced by a cafe, whereas the diagram shows the cafe replacing the reading room area. To reach a higher band, ensure that your descriptions strictly align with the visual data provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that separate the 'before' and 'after' states. You use cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'in addition', and 'meanwhile' to link ideas effectively. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'enjoyment facilities' which does not clearly map to the visual information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to guide the reader through the comparison, which is a strength of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'demolished', 'converted', and 'transformed' to describe the changes. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'sofa sitting' and 'enjoyment facilities', which sound slightly unnatural in this context. While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, the inaccuracies occasionally distract from the precision of your report. Focusing on more precise collocations related to floor plans and spatial descriptions would improve your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Before the redesign, the tables and chairs area was situated...'. There are several grammatical errors, including missing articles ('a information desk'), incorrect pluralization ('serveral facilities'), and awkward phrasing ('the reading, children's books rooms were converted into a computer, lecture rooms respectively'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles when describing specific areas of a building.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.