Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-30

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 given diagram illustrates the floor plan of a public library from 20 years ago and how it is designed now.

Overall, we can see that library has changed its layout and upgraded its interiors and decorations as well. Twenty years ago, the library was simple and unsorted. However, the library has completely changed its design and made it look more organized and clean.

First of all, we can instantly recognize the change in structure after entering from entrance. Reading room which used to be in left side of entrance has been changed into computer room also switching door position from north to east side of the room. Secondly, on the right side where enquiry desk used to be has been transformed into proper room and currently being utilized as a cafe. Thirdly, the passage where tables and chairs used to be has been removed.

Before, there used to be adult fiction books in the east side and adult non-fiction books in the west side. Currently, the east section has been utilized as adult fiction books section with information desk and self-service machines nearby. While, the west side as been transformed into reference book section. We can also see that children's books section has been transformed into lecture room and CDs, videos, computer games sections has been changed into a event hall where there are children's fiction books and storytelling events with comfortable sittings like sofas.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.0
Coherence and Cohesion6.0
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 floor plan changes. You provided a clear overview and compared the past and present layouts effectively. However, the response lacks a degree of precision in describing the spatial relationships. For instance, stating the reading room was on the 'left side' is vague compared to using cardinal directions or specific reference points provided in the diagram. Additionally, some descriptions of the new layout, such as the 'event hall' replacing the 'CDs, videos, computer games' section, are accurate, but the report would benefit from more precise quantification or clearer spatial markers to reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group information by area. You use transition signals like 'First of all', 'Secondly', and 'Thirdly' to guide the reader. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing. For example, 'While, the west side as been transformed...' is a sentence fragment that disrupts the flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence is grammatically complete would enhance the overall coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'transformed', 'utilized', and 'upgraded'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'unsorted' is not the most natural term to describe a library layout; 'unstructured' or 'less organized' would be better. Additionally, 'comfortable sittings' should be 'comfortable seating'. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for a higher band score. Expanding your range to include more precise descriptive adjectives and nouns would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Common issues include missing articles (e.g., 'entering from entrance' should be 'entering from the entrance'), incorrect verb forms (e.g., 'west side as been' should be 'west side has been'), and preposition errors (e.g., 'in left side' should be 'on the left side'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are persistent enough to limit the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will help improve your accuracy.

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

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