Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-03
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 two floor plans illustrate how the layout of a central public library has changed over a period of 20 years.
Overall, the library has undergone significant transformation, with several traditional facilities being replaced by areas for computers, self serving machine, refreshment and children activities. However, the main entrance area has remained in the same position.
Twenty years ago the entrance was divided into several equal sections, on the left side of entrance were adult fictions books, reading room( newspapers and magazines) and CDs and computer games area. On the right were children’s books, adult non-fiction books and an enquiry desk. In the centre, there were two sets of tables and chairs.
The present layout is considerably different. The adult fiction books section has been moved to right side. The former enquiry section has been replaced with a Cafe. An information section and self service machines have also been added nearby.
On the left side previous CDs and computer games section has been converted into children fiction books and storytelling events, while the former reading room has been converted to computer room.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response effectively identifies the main features of the library's transformation. You have successfully highlighted the key changes, such as the addition of the cafe and the relocation of specific sections. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the overall trends. However, to reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are fully developed. For instance, while you mention the adult fiction section moved to the right, you could have explicitly contrasted this with its previous location to provide a more comprehensive comparison. Overall, the response covers all parts of the task well.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group information by time period and location. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'However' and 'On the left side', to link your points. To improve, try to vary your linking words further and ensure that referencing is precise. For example, in the final paragraph, 'previous CDs and computer games section' could be more smoothly integrated into the sentence structure to improve the flow between the past and present descriptions.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'undergone significant transformation', 'converted', and 'layout'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'self serving machine' (should be 'self-service machines') and 'adult fictions books' (should be 'adult fiction books'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, incorporating more precise collocations or less common lexical items related to floor plans and spatial changes would help elevate your score. The current range is functional but lacks the flexibility required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as missing articles ('on the left side of entrance', 'converted to computer room') and minor punctuation issues. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, pay closer attention to article usage and prepositional phrases when describing locations. Focusing on consistent subject-verb agreement and ensuring that complex sentences are punctuated correctly will help you demonstrate better control over your grammatical range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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