Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-25

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 7.0)

The diagrams illustrate the floor plan of a public library from twenty years ago and its present state.

Overall, the library has undergone significant changes with several compartments turned into completely different facilities according to the modern demands.

Twenty years ago, on the top left corner there were CDs, videos and computer games. Below this area there used to be adult fiction books.

On the top right corner there used to be children's books. Underneath that adult non-fiction books can be seen. Tables and chairs were placed in the centre of the library. Located to the left of the entrance is a reading room with newspapers and magazines. Similarly, on the right-hand side there is an enquiry desk to provide support for booking tickets, returns etc.

Today, the central library has gone through a big change with tables and chairs completely being removed from the area. The reading room has been converted into a computer room while the enquiry desk has been replaced with a cafe. All reference books are now being kept in what used to be an adult fiction only section. The vicinity for adult non-fiction books has been converted into an adult fiction genre area with a information desk and self-service machines.

There is now a lecture room right above it.

CDs, videos and computer games have been substituted with two sofas and children's fiction books along with a designated storytelling events zone.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

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 key changes, such as the conversion of the reading room and the relocation of specific book sections. To reach a higher band, ensure that your overview is more comprehensive; while you mention 'significant changes,' briefly highlighting the shift from a traditional book-focused space to a more multipurpose, modern facility would strengthen your summary. The information is accurate and well-selected, providing a clear picture of the transformation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that separate the past and present states. You use cohesive devices like 'Twenty years ago,' 'Today,' and 'Similarly' to guide the reader through the changes. However, the transition between some sentences could be smoother. For instance, in the second paragraph, the jump between describing the layout and the enquiry desk is slightly abrupt. Using more varied linking phrases to connect the spatial descriptions would improve the flow and help the reader visualize the layout more effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing floor plans, such as 'compartments,' 'converted,' 'substituted,' and 'vicinity.' The language is generally precise and natural. There are a few minor issues with collocation, such as 'vicinity for adult non-fiction books,' where 'area' or 'section' would be more natural. You also use 'big change' in the second paragraph, which is a bit simplistic. Incorporating more sophisticated synonyms for change, such as 'radical transformation' or 'extensive reconfiguration,' would elevate the lexical quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

Your grammar is generally strong, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over tense usage—shifting from the past tense for the old layout to the present for the current one—is consistent. There are occasional minor slips, such as 'a information desk' (should be 'an') and 'tables and chairs completely being removed' (a slightly awkward passive construction). Despite these minor issues, your control is good, and the meaning is always clear, which is characteristic of a solid band 7 performance.

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

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