Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The two maps illustrate how the layout of Central Library has changed over the past two decades.

Overall, the library has moved away from traditional print-based facilities such as physical media and a staffed enquiry desk, towards more interactive, technology-based, and social spaces, including a café, a computer room, and self-service machines. While the entrance and the general division of the building into two wings have remained the same, almost every room has been repurposed.

Looking at the upper section of the building first, the area that was previously used for CDs, videos, and computer games has been converted into a children's storytelling and sofa area, while the adjoining children's books section has been replaced by a lecture room. In the center the building, the circular tables and chairs that once stood in the middle of the library no longer exist; adult fiction books have been relocated to this central space, and an information desk has been added alongside it.

Turning to the lower half of the layout, the reading room, which had previously housed newspapers and magazines, has been transformed into a section for reference books, whereas the old enquiry desk, used for tickets and book returns, has been substituted with self-service machines. In addition, adult non-fiction books have been moved and rebranded as adult fiction, and two entirely new facilities, a computer room and a café, have been constructed near the entrance, areas that did not exist 20 years ago.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all key changes in the library floor plan, such as the introduction of the café and computer room, and the repurposing of the reading and lecture areas. The overview provides a clear summary of the main trends (a shift from print-based to digital and social spaces), which is essential for a high band score. You have made effective comparisons between the two time periods throughout the text. The information is well-selected and accurately reported, meeting all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'while', 'whereas', 'in addition', and 'turning to'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed descriptions of the upper and lower sections of the library. The flow between sentences is natural, and the referencing (e.g., 'the area that was previously used', 'this central space') is precise, ensuring the reader can easily follow the spatial changes described.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary. Phrases like 'repurposed', 'substituted', 'rebranded', and 'interactive, technology-based' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for describing a floor plan. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. The language is sophisticated and contributes to the clarity of the report, making it very easy to read.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

Your grammar is highly accurate, with a wide range of complex structures used correctly. You effectively use passive voice constructions (e.g., 'has been converted', 'have been relocated') which are appropriate for describing changes in a layout. Sentence structures are varied, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the control over tense and aspect is consistent, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.