Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-27

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 8.5)

The two floor plans illustrate the layout of a public library 20 years ago and the way in which its facilities and internal arrangement have been transformed to accommodate modern requirements.

Overall, the library has undergone a substantial reorganisation, with several traditional facilities being replaced by more contemporary and multifunctional spaces. The most notable changes are the removal of the central tables and chairs, the introduction of a computer room, café, lecture room and self-service facilities, and the relocation and reorganisation of the book collections.

Twenty years ago, the library was primarily devoted to conventional reading and book-related facilities. Adult fiction occupied the central-left section, while adult non-fiction was situated directly opposite it. Children's books and CDs, videos and computer games were located in the two upper sections. The lower-left area comprised a reading room for newspapers and magazines, whereas an enquiry desk occupied the corresponding area on the right. In addition, tables and chairs were arranged around the centre of the library.

The present-day layout is considerably different. The former reading room has been replaced by an area containing all reference books, while the old CDs, videos and computer games section has been converted into a children's fiction area with sofas and storytelling facilities. On the right-hand side, the former children's book section has become a lecture room, while adult fiction has been relocated to the adjoining area. An information desk and self-service machines have also been introduced. Finally, the former enquiry-desk area has been transformed into a café, and a dedicated computer room has been added in the bottom-left corner. Despite these extensive modifications, the entrance remains in the same central position.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have fully addressed all parts of the task by providing a clear overview of the main changes and supporting this with specific, accurate details from the floor plans. You successfully identified the key transformations, such as the removal of central tables and the addition of modern facilities like the café and computer room. The comparison between the two time periods is logical and well-developed, ensuring the reader can easily follow the evolution of the library layout. There are no omissions of significant features, and the summary is both concise and comprehensive.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organised, with a clear progression from the introduction to the overview, followed by two detailed body paragraphs. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the use of cohesive devices is natural and effective. Phrases such as 'The present-day layout is considerably different' and 'In addition' help to guide the reader smoothly through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the past state from the current state, and referencing is precise throughout the text, ensuring that the relationship between the two floor plans is always clear.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, which is used with high precision. Phrases such as 'accommodate modern requirements', 'substantial reorganisation', and 'extensive modifications' show a strong command of academic language. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also varied, avoiding unnecessary repetition. You have successfully used topic-specific terminology (e.g., 'enquiry desk', 'self-service facilities') in a natural way. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is perfectly suited to the task of describing a diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy. You have used a variety of complex sentence forms, including passive voice constructions (e.g., 'has been replaced by', 'has been relocated') which are highly appropriate for describing changes in a layout. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors. The control over tense and aspect is excellent, allowing for a clear distinction between the state of the library twenty years ago and its current configuration. The writing is error-free and highly readable.

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