Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-20

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 provided diagrams compare the layouts of a public library today and how it look 20 years ago.

Overall, the library has gone through significant changes with more modern facilities and amenities now. Before the renovation, it was very traditional looking with a physical enquiry desk and medias but now more technology has been added such as an information desk and self-service machines. One of the major changes has been done by removing the tables and chairs from the central of the library making it more spacious.

Twenty years ago, the library had a CDs, Videos, and computer games corner at the top left and the upper right corner was occupied with children's books. The adult fiction and non-fiction books sections were at the central-left and central-right side respectively, whereas the tables and chairs facilities for readers and visitor were at the heart of the library which has now been removed, making the place more spacious. Additionally, the bottom left side had a reading room where newspapers and magazines stored, while the lower-right corner had an enquiry desk for tickets and book return purposes.

However, today, every room had been repurposed. The former children books room is now changed to a lecture room, whereas the original games room have been changed to a children's fiction books section where sofas and storytelling events have been incorporated now. The central-right side now has an information desk and self-service machines while the adult non-fiction books are not stored now. The former reading room at the bottom left corner has been changed to a computer room. Meanwhile, a cafe has been installed at the former enquiry desk side.

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 removal of the central seating area and the repurposing of specific rooms. To reach a higher band, ensure you avoid minor inaccuracies; for example, you mentioned that adult non-fiction books are 'not stored now,' but the diagram indicates they have been relocated to the area previously occupied by the adult fiction section. A more precise summary of these spatial shifts would strengthen your response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that contrast the past and present layouts. You use cohesive devices such as 'whereas,' 'additionally,' and 'meanwhile' to guide the reader through the changes. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the paragraphing could be improved by ensuring that the comparison of specific areas is more tightly integrated. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'repurposed,' 'incorporated,' and 'amenities.' There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'medias' (which is uncountable) and 'central of the library' (should be 'center'). While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, these occasional errors prevent a higher score. Focusing on precise collocations and ensuring the correct form of nouns will help you achieve a more sophisticated tone.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. However, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'how it look' (should be 'looks'), 'had a CDs' (should be 'had CDs'), and 'games room have been changed' (subject-verb agreement error). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher band. Increasing your control over subject-verb agreement and article usage will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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