Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-15

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 6.5)

The provided diagram compares the floor plan of a public library from two decades ago with its current layout.

Overall, the floor plan of the library has undergone significant changes over the past 20 years, with some areas remaining the same while others have been restructured or repurposed.

Initially, the entrance has remained in the same location, and the rooms at the bottom left and top right corners have retained their original size and shape. However, the former reading room on the left of the entrance has been replaced with a computer room, including changes in the door. Additionally, the area to the left of the entrance now houses all reference books instead of adult fiction books. The central tables have been removed, and a cafe has been added to the left side of the entrance, resulting in the elimination of the enquiry desk. Technological advancements have led to the inclusion of self-service machines in the right hall of the entrance. The previous space for CDs, videos, and computer games has been repurposed into a larger area for children’s fiction books, now featuring two added sofas.

The floor plan has experienced various transformations, adapting to contemporary needs. The central areas have been repurposed to include a computer room, a café, and self-service machines, reflecting the changing demands of library visitors. Furthermore, the layout now caters to different age groups with specific areas dedicated to children and adults, such as the children’s fiction section and the separate space for all reference books. Additionally, the removal of the central tables indicates a shift in the library’s function from a study area to a more socially oriented space, as indicated by the addition of sofas for storytelling events. Overall, the modern floor plan signifies a strategic reorganization to provide a more diverse and interactive library experience.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all key features of the library's layout from two decades ago and compares them effectively with the current map. You provide a clear overview in the second paragraph and successfully highlight major transformations, such as the addition of the café, computer room, and self-service machines, alongside the relocation of the children's section. However, there are a few minor spatial inaccuracies: for instance, the café is actually located in the bottom-right corner rather than the left, and the enquiry desk was located in the bottom-right, not eliminated by a left-side café. Despite these minor misreadings of the diagram, the task is well-addressed with relevant comparisons and clear reporting of main features, meeting the Band 7 criteria.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression from an introductory overview to specific comparative details and a final functional summary. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the visual data. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Initially', 'However', and 'Furthermore' are employed to guide the reader through the text effectively, although referencing and transitions occasionally feel slightly mechanical. Overall, the logical structure and clear flow warrant a solid Band 7 for this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate and appropriate for an academic task describing spatial changes. You successfully incorporate less common lexical items and functional phrases such as 'undergone significant changes', 'repositioned', 'technological advancements', and 'strategic reorganization'. While there are occasional inaccuracies in word choice or collocation—such as mislocating the café to the left side—the vocabulary range is sufficient to convey precise meaning and demonstrate flexibility, placing it firmly at Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'resulting in the elimination of the enquiry desk', 'adapting to contemporary needs'). The majority of sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is handled well. Minor errors persist—such as slight awkwardness in prepositional phrases—but they do not impede communication. This level of control and variety aligns well with the Band 7 descriptors.

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.