Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-12

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 diagrams illustrate the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks like today.

Overall, the library has significant changes in its layout over past 20 years . The areas for CDs, videos, and computer games have been replaced now. Additionally, earlier there were chairs and tables in the centre of the library now it's vacant. The floor plan now includes specific areas for children's fiction books, self service machines, computer room and cafe near the entrance.

Inititally, 20 years ago, the library comprised sections for CD's, videos, computer games, children's books, adult fiction and non fiction books, reading rooms for newspapers and magazines, tables with chairs and an enquiry desk near the entrance.

In contrast, the present library layout displays changes. The areas for CD's, videos, and computer games have been replaced by a computer room and a lecture room. Moreover, the layout now includes specific spaces for children's fiction books, all references books, an information desk, self services machines and cafe near the entrance.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The candidate successfully covers all the key requirements of the task by comparing the floor plan of the public library from 20 years ago with its current layout. An adequate overview is presented in the second paragraph, capturing the most notable transformations such as the removal of media sections and the addition of a cafe and self-service machines. Main features and specific changes are selected and reported, such as the replacement of CDs and videos with a computer room and lecture room, and the introduction of children's fiction and reference books. However, some details are slightly repetitive between the overview and body paragraphs, preventing a higher band. Overall, the response addresses all parts of the prompt adequately, earning a band score of 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The text demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with a clear attempt at logical organisation, moving from an introductory statement to an overview, followed by historical details and current features. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate ideas. Cohesive devices are employed, such as 'Overall', 'Additionally', 'Inititally', and 'In contrast', though some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive in structure. Referencing is mostly clear, allowing the reader to follow the spatial changes between the two periods. While the progression is generally easy to follow, occasional clunkiness in logical transitions keeps the response at a band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a floor plan, including terms like 'layout', 'enquiry desk', 'reference books', and 'self service machines'. There are some attempts at less common lexical items, although minor inaccuracies appear, such as the misspelling 'Inititally' and awkward phrasing like 'all references books'. Word choices are generally sufficient to communicate the main features of the diagrams without impeding the reader's understanding. However, because the vocabulary lacks the precision, flexibility, and range found in higher bands, a score of 6.0 is appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over structure. Examples include 'The two diagrams illustrate...' and 'The areas for CD's, videos, and computer games have been replaced by...'. There are, nevertheless, several grammatical errors and punctuation lapses, such as missing articles ('near entrance'), minor preposition misuse ('over past 20 years'), and run-on structures like 'earlier there were chairs and tables in the centre of the library now it's vacant'. Despite these errors, communication is rarely impeded, and the mix of structures supports a band 6.0.

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.