Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-31

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 diagram illustrates the floor plan of a central library twenty years ago and how it looks today.

Overall, the central library has changed substantially. Several features, such as a lecture room, a cafe, a

computer room and sofas were added to the library. In contrast, the tables and chairs and reading room for newspapers and magazines were removed.

Twenty years ago, CDs, videos and computer games were located in the top left corner of the central library while the children's books were positioned on the top right side. However, tables and chairs, were located in the center of the library and adult fiction books were on the left side, while adult non-fiction books were on the right side of the tables and chairs. On the other hand, reading room for newspapers and magazines was on the left side of the entrance, whereas enquiry desk was located on the right side of the entrance.

Today, many of these original features have disappeared. The children's books have been replaced with a lecture room, while the CDs, videos and computer games have been replaced with children's fiction books, storytelling events and sofas. The reading room and enquiry desk have been replaced with a computer room and cafe, respectively. In addition, adult fiction books have been replaced with all reference books, while the adult non-fiction books have been replaced with an information desk and self-service machines.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively addresses the task by providing a clear overview and comparing the two floor plans. You have successfully identified the main features and the significant changes that occurred over the 20-year period. The summary is accurate, and the comparisons are logical. To reach a higher band, ensure that you group information more strategically; for instance, instead of listing every single change, you could focus on the transformation of specific zones (e.g., the conversion of the reading area into a cafe). Overall, the response is well-structured and covers all requirements of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the past and present states. You make good use of cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'However', 'On the other hand', and 'In addition' to guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two time periods. The flow of information is smooth, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. The use of referencing is generally clear, contributing to the overall coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'illustrates', 'substantially', 'positioned', and 'replaced'. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it is somewhat repetitive, particularly the frequent use of 'replaced with'. To improve, try to incorporate more varied verbs to describe spatial changes, such as 'converted into', 'transformed into', or 'relocated to'. The current range is adequate for the task, but a slightly more sophisticated selection of synonyms would enhance the precision of your descriptions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over grammar is generally strong. There are a few minor punctuation errors, such as the unnecessary comma in 'tables and chairs, were located'. Additionally, ensure consistent use of articles, as in 'reading room for newspapers' which should be 'the reading room'. Despite these minor slips, the grammatical control is solid, and the errors do not impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

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

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