Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-28

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 diagram illustrates the change in floor map of a public library over a time span of 20 years. Overall, the map of the library today is same as the map twenty years ago with the same entrance and four different blocks at each corner but today, the functioning of each block has changed significantly.

20 years ago, we had a seating with tables and chairs arranged right next to the entrance but today we have a clean hallway in front of the entrance. On the left in the middle, we had space for adult fiction books but today we can find all reference books here while on the middle-right, there used to be space for adult non-fiction books which is now replaced by adult fiction books, a service desk and some self service machines.

While entering, we can see a computer room on the left which was a reading room for newspapers and magazines in the older plan. On the right next to the enterance, there used to be an enquiry desk for ruterning books and buying tickets which is now converted into a cafe. On the top-left of the map, there was a room for video games which is now used for storytelling events and children fiction books. The children's books room on the top-right in the older map is now used as a lecture room.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all key features of the floor plan changes effectively. You have successfully identified the main transformations, such as the conversion of the enquiry desk into a cafe and the repurposing of the children's room. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the general trend. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more analytical rather than just descriptive. For instance, instead of listing changes sequentially, you could group them by thematic areas (e.g., study spaces vs. service areas) to provide a more sophisticated synthesis of the information provided in the diagrams.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a logical progression of ideas. You use cohesive devices such as 'while', 'on the left', and 'which is now' to guide the reader through the spatial changes. However, some transitions between sentences feel slightly repetitive. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is easy to follow. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases further and ensure that the relationship between the two time periods is consistently highlighted through more varied cohesive structures.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'functioning', 'repurposed', and 'converted' appropriately. There are some minor errors in word choice, such as 'floor map' instead of 'floor plan' and 'ruterning' (spelling error). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the range of less common, precise collocations that would elevate the response to a higher band. Focusing on more academic synonyms for spatial descriptions will help improve your score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the grammar is generally accurate and communication is never impeded, there are occasional slips, such as 'the map of the library today is same' (missing 'the') and 'ruterning' (spelling). You show good control over relative clauses ('which was a reading room'), but the range of complex structures could be broader. To achieve a higher band, aim for more varied sentence beginnings and ensure consistent use of articles and prepositions throughout the text.

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

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