Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-04

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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the floor plan of a public library two decades ago and compares it with its current layout.

Overall, the library has undergone dramatic changes over the 20-year period, with the addition of self-service machines, a storytelling events area, a lecture room, a cafe and sofas. Although certain areas remain largely unchanged with only minor modifications, others have been relocated.

In the past, the seating area with tables and chairs was present in front of the entrance in approximately the centre of the library, while the enquiry desk was located on the right side of the library. However, the reading room containing newspapers and magazines was situated on the left-hand side, whereas adult fiction books were kept adjacent to it. In addition, adult non-fiction books were kept adjacent to the enquiry desk. The children's books area was located in the top-right corner, while the computer games area was situated opposite it in the top-left corner.

Turning to the present layout, the central library has several new rooms and rearranged sections. The entrance remains in the same location as 20 years ago, while a cafe is now situated in place of the enquiry desk. Moreover, the computer room is now located on the bottom-left side, whereas the upper-left section features a children's fiction area equipped with a storytelling space and sofas. Meanwhile, the lecture room now occupies the top-right corner, and all reference books have been move to the left side next to the computer room. Additionally, the right-hand side features the newly introduced self-service machines, an information desk as well as adult fiction books.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the significant changes and successfully highlighted the main features of the library's transformation. The comparison between the two time periods is well-structured, and you have accurately identified the key relocations and additions, such as the cafe, lecture room, and self-service machines. The information is presented logically, and the summary is balanced, covering both the past and present layouts comprehensively. No significant information is omitted, and the response maintains a clear focus on the visual data provided throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose: the introduction sets the context, the overview summarizes the main trends, and the body paragraphs detail the specific changes. You have used a good range of cohesive devices such as 'In the past', 'However', 'Turning to the present', and 'Meanwhile' to guide the reader through the spatial descriptions. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the referencing is clear, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the comparison between the two floor plans.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary suitable for describing a floor plan, including terms like 'relocated', 'adjacent to', 'occupies', and 'rearranged sections'. The language is precise and natural, allowing for a clear description of the library's layout. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it could be further elevated by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for spatial positioning to reach the highest band. Nevertheless, the current usage is fluent and effectively communicates the intended meaning without any noticeable errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully employed a variety of complex sentence structures, such as using subordinate clauses ('Although certain areas remain largely unchanged...') and compound-complex sentences. Punctuation is used accurately to support the flow of information. There is only one minor error in the final paragraph ('all reference books have been move to the left side'), where the past participle 'moved' should have been used. Aside from this rare slip, the majority of your sentences are error-free, demonstrating a strong command of English grammar.

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