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 diagram illustrates the transformation of the Central Library's layout over the span of two decades. These changes strike the modernization of library and make it comfortable and useful for users.

Twenty years ago, the library was divided into sections for various types of books and media. The children's section was dedicated to books, while another section was allocated for CDs, videos and computer games. Additionally, the adult section was distributed into fiction and non-fiction books. The reading room was specifically arranged for newspappers and magazines, while the last corner was occupied by an enquiry desk where tickets and book returns and other services were handled.

In contrast, in the present day, the library has undergone changes. The children's area currently contains exclusively books, sofas and serves for storytelling events. The adult book section has been consolidated to a single area, information desk and automatic machines are installed beside it. Furthermore, the library has expanded its services including a computer room and a cafe. However, the tables and chairs have been removed from the center.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the Central Library from twenty years ago and comparing them with the current layout. The student effectively identifies key changes, such as the addition of a computer room, cafe, and automatic machines, as well as the removal of certain sections. However, the overview provided in the introduction is slightly simplistic and focuses more on the library's utility rather than outlining the broad structural transformation. While the main features are covered, some details like the transformation of the reading room into a computer room could be linked more explicitly. Nevertheless, the response meets the core requirements of Task 1 by providing a clear and relevant summary with adequate comparisons, aligning well with the Band 6.5 to 7.0 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The text demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with a logical progression from past to present. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with a clear introductory paragraph, a body paragraph dedicated to the library twenty years ago, and a concluding body paragraph focusing on present changes. Cohesive devices are generally handled well, using phrases like 'Twenty years ago', 'In contrast, in the present day', and 'Furthermore' to guide the reader through the comparison. However, referencing and cohesion occasionally feel slightly mechanical, such as 'while the last corner was occupied' and 'serves for storytelling events', which disrupts the natural flow. Despite these minor cohesive faults, the logical organisation is clear throughout, supporting a solid Band 6.5 performance.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, successfully incorporating terms related to floor plans and library facilities, such as 'transformation', 'consolidated', 'enquiry desk', and 'non-fiction books'. There are, however, some lexical inaccuracies and awkward word choices, such as 'strike the modernization' instead of 'highlight the modernization', and 'serves for storytelling events' rather than 'is used for storytelling events'. Additionally, there is a minor spelling error ('neuspappers'). While the writer attempts less common vocabulary, inaccuracies in word choice and collocation prevent the response from reaching a higher band, placing it firmly at Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and prepositional phrases reasonably well (e.g., 'The children's section was dedicated to books, while another section was allocated for CDs...'). There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings throughout the text, including 'These changes strike the modernization of library' (missing article and incorrect verb choice) and 'The adult book section has been consolidated to a single area, information desk and automatic machines are installed' (comma splice). Punctuation and article usage are occasionally shaky. Although these errors do not impede communication, they indicate that simple structures are controlled better than complex ones, justifying a Band 6.0 score.

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

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