Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-10

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 rendered diagram illustrates the information about the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks now.

Overall, it is crystal clear that significant changes have transformed the layout of the Central Library, with modifications in space allocation and facilities, making it more modern and user-friendly.

At a fleeting glance, 20 years ago the central library's layout included sections for CDs, videos, computer games, children's and adult books, as well as reading rooms for newspapers and magazines. Tables with chairs and an inquiry desk were placed near the entrance, offering a diverse range of services in a traditional setup.

In contrast, the current floor plan of the Central Library embraces a contemporary design, featuring distinct areas for children's fiction, reference books, a computer room, storytelling spaces with sofas, a lecture room, adult fiction, and an information desk. The integration of self-service machines and the presence of a cafe near the entrance signify a transition to a more interactive and technology-focused library environment.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion7.0
Lexical Resource6.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy7.5
Overall7.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the library's transformation. You have provided a clear overview and contrasted the past and present layouts effectively. To reach a higher band, ensure you include more specific comparative data or spatial details. For example, mentioning that the reading rooms were replaced by a lecture room or noting the specific relocation of the entrance/desk would provide a more comprehensive summary. The current response is accurate but could be more analytical regarding the specific shifts in floor space allocation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. You use paragraphing effectively to separate the introduction, overview, and the two time periods. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Overall', and 'as well as' are used appropriately to guide the reader. The flow is smooth, and each paragraph has a clear central topic. To improve, you could vary your linking phrases slightly more to avoid a mechanical feel, but overall, the structure is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a descriptive task, using terms like 'space allocation', 'contemporary design', and 'interactive'. The language is natural and precise. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated or less common vocabulary related to spatial changes, such as 'reconfigured', 'superseded', or 'undergone a complete overhaul', to show greater flexibility and precision in your descriptions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing is grammatically accurate, with a variety of sentence structures used throughout. You successfully employ complex sentences, such as 'The integration of self-service machines and the presence of a cafe near the entrance signify a transition...', which are error-free. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no major grammatical slips. The control over complex structures is consistent, which is a hallmark of a higher band. Continued focus on maintaining this level of accuracy while experimenting with more varied clause structures will ensure high performance.

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

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