Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-14

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 7.5)

The maps compare the layout of the Central Library two decades ago with its current form. Overall, the library has undergone a major transformation, with new facilities added and old sections refurbished.

While the entrance remains in the same position, tables and chairs in the middle area have been removed, creating a wider central space. A new café has been opened in the space where the enquiry desk once stood, located directly east of the entrance. A reading room used to be located just west of the entrance, but it has now been converted into a computer room.

The new section for reference books is located adjacent to the computer room, replacing the former adult fiction section. Meanwhile, the adult fiction section has been relocated to the opposite side, alongside a newly built information desk and self-service machines. A lecture room is now introduced in the northeast corner, which previously contained children’s books. Meanwhile, the northwest corner has been transformed into a multifunction space with sofas and children’s bookshelves, when storytelling events are held.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by comparing the layout of the Central Library from twenty years ago with its current configuration. An overview is provided in the introduction, effectively highlighting the major transformations. The student accurately reports the main features and makes clear comparisons, such as noting that the entrance remains in the same position while tables and chairs have been removed to create a wider central space. Specific details regarding the conversion of rooms, such as the reading room becoming a computer room, are well-developed and supported by spatial references (e.g., east, west, northeast). The response meets all requirements for Task Achievement at a high level, demonstrating a clear and fully developed overview without any omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly into paragraphs: an introduction with an overview, a second paragraph detailing changes near the entrance, and a final paragraph outlining the rest of the library's layout transformations. Cohesive devices such as 'While', 'Meanwhile', and 'which' are used effectively to connect ideas and maintain smooth transitions. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and referencing (e.g., 'the adult fiction section has been relocated to the opposite side') is consistently clear, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the spatial comparisons.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic task describing maps. Less common items such as 'refurbished', 'converted', 'adjacent', and 'multifunction space' are used with good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are precise, as seen in phrases like 'undergone a major transformation' and 'self-service machines'. There are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While vocabulary control is strong and precise, it falls just short of the wide, highly sophisticated range required for a Band 8 or 9, positioning it comfortably within Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing features a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as concessive clauses ('While the entrance remains in the same position...') and relative clauses ('...which previously contained children’s books'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled well throughout. There is a high level of grammatical accuracy, with only very occasional minor slips, demonstrating excellent control over tense consistency (past simple for past features and present simple for current features). This performance easily satisfies the criteria for a Band 8, showing flexible use of grammatical structures with strong overall accuracy.

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

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