Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-11

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 diagram illustrates how the floor plan of central library has changed over the 20 years period.

Overall, library has been modernized with the latest technology. The most significant changes include the CDs , videos, computer games area with a storytelling area and the addition of computer room and cafe.

Looking at the right side first, the area for CDs, videos, computer games has been converted into a children's storytelling area with two sofas and a section for children's fiction books. The adult fiction section has been replaced by an area for all reference books . The reading room which was previously used for newspaper and magazines, has now become a computer room at the bottom left.

On the left side, the area for children's books has been utilized into lecture room . The adult non-fiction books has been exchanged by adult fiction books , an information desk and self service machines. The enquiry desk in the bottom right has been changed by a cafe . The Entrance has remained the same but the tables and chairs have been removed.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion6.5
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.5
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the library floor plan and makes relevant comparisons between the two time periods. You have clearly highlighted the key transformations, such as the conversion of the CD/video area into a storytelling space and the addition of the cafe and computer room. To reach a higher band, ensure that you provide a more comprehensive overview in the introduction or summary paragraph. While you mentioned the modernization, explicitly stating the most significant spatial shifts would strengthen the response. Overall, the task is addressed well, and the information is presented in a logical, summary-focused manner.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear progression from an overview to specific details on the right and left sides of the library. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate different sections of the floor plan. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Looking at the right side first' and 'On the left side', which help the reader follow the spatial description. However, the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect sentences more fluidly, rather than relying on simple directional transitions. Overall, the structure is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'modernized', 'converted', 'utilized', and 'remained the same'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'exchanged by' (should be 'replaced by') and 'utilized into' (should be 'converted into'). While you successfully describe the changes, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive. To improve, try to incorporate more precise synonyms for 'changed' or 'replaced' to add variety and sophistication to your descriptions. The current range is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the central library', 'the 20 years period') and prepositions ('changed by' instead of 'replaced with'). Additionally, there are some subject-verb agreement issues, such as 'library has been modernized' (needs an article) and 'adult non-fiction books has been'. While these errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding the information. To achieve a higher score, focus on proofreading for article usage and ensuring that verbs agree with their subjects.

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

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