Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-13

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 given two diagrams demonstrate the information about the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks now.

Overall, it is clear that at present, the central library has undergone massive transformations into a modern library with the advancement of modern technology.

It is clearly seen that 20 years ago, at the top right of the central library, there was an area where children's books were kept, but now, it is used as lecture room. Likewise, the tables and chairs are removed from the library now and the space at top left of the library is presently, used for storytelling events with two sofas at the opposite corner along with children's fiction books. But about 20 years ago, this space was used for CDs, videos, and computer games.

Moving towards the other developments of the central library. Today, at the deep left corner of the library, there is a computer room, which was earlier a reading room which consists of newspapers and magazines. Similarly, the enquiry desk including tickets, book returns, etcetera, at the deep right corner of the library has been redeveloped into a cafe, now. Meanwhile, now, there are adult fiction books , information desk and self service machines between the lecture room and cafe and all other reference books are located between the storytelling events room and computer room.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion6.0
Lexical Resource6.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.0
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons between the library's layout from 20 years ago and its current state. The overview captures the primary transformation of the library into a modern facility incorporating new technology. Key changes, such as the conversion of the children's books area into a lecture room and the addition of a cafe and computer room, are clearly identified. However, some minor details could have been further extended or grouped more systematically to fully satisfy higher band descriptors. Nevertheless, the response covers all parts well, demonstrating a clear overview and accurate reporting of the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response maintains a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is divided into logical paragraphs, starting with an introductory overview and moving into specific spatial comparisons. Cohesive devices such as 'Likewise', 'Moving towards the other developments', and 'Meanwhile' are used to guide the reader through the changes. However, referencing and transitions are sometimes a bit mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'now' and 'at present' within close proximity. Paragraphing is adequate, but transitions between the various corners of the library could be smoother. Overall, the essay displays a clear structure with appropriate cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The candidate uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms related to spatial descriptions and library facilities, such as 'floor plan', 'lecture room', 'storytelling events', and 'self service machines'. There are some attempts at less common lexical items ('massive transformations', 'redeveloped'). However, there are noticeable word choice and collocation inaccuracies, such as 'at the deep left corner' instead of 'in the far-left corner', and unnecessary punctuation errors with lists ('books , information desk'). Spelling is generally accurate, but the lexical range lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The writer attempts complex structures, such as relative clauses ('which was earlier a reading room which consists of...'). However, there are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as tense inconsistency ('consists' instead of 'consisted') and punctuation issues. Errors in prepositions ('at the top right' instead of 'in the top right') also occur. While these errors do not impede overall communication, they persist frequently enough to prevent the essay from reaching a higher band. The majority of sentences are understandable, but grammatical control needs tightening.

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

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