Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-17

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 provided diagram demonstrates the development plan of the central library, before and after construction.

Overall, the library has shifted its focus from book-and-newspaper and added different varieties of books, the central tables-and-chairs area has been removed, while a computer room, lecture room, cafe, and information desk have all been added.

Examining the diagrams in detail, 20 years ago, the library contained a central sitting area which has now been removed. Prior to development, after entering the library on the right side there was an enquiry desk for tickets and book returns, etc, which has been replaced by a cafe. On the left of the entrance a reading room has been converted into a computer room. Adult fiction books have been relocated from the west to the east, where an information desk and self-service machines have also been added.

On the west side, all reference books have been kept and this area has become reduced as compared to before. The lecture room has been located in place of a children books area. CD, videos and computer games area has been expanded and converted to storytelling event room with children’s fiction books shelf on one side and placed sofas for sitting purpose.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by identifying and reporting the main features of the central library's floor plan from 20 yeasts ago and today. The overview clearly highlights the major structural changes, such as the removal of the central seating area and the addition of the computer room, lecture room, cafe, and self-service machines. Key spatial changes are accurately compared, including the relocation of adult fiction books and the transformation of the reading room into a computer room. However, there are minor instances where descriptions could be more precise regarding locations, but overall, the response fully satisfies the requirements of Task 1 by providing a well-balanced and accurate summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Ideas are grouped reasonably well, moving from an introductory overview to detailed body paragraphs examining specific areas of the library. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overall trends from specific spatial changes. Cohesive devices are employed adequately to guide the reader through the comparisons, such as 'Overall,' 'Examining the diagrams in detail,' and 'On the west side'. While referencing is generally clear, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, preventing the response from reaching a higher band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as 'development plan', 'relocated', 'enquiry desk', and 'self-service machines'. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, though occasional inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing occur, such as 'placed sofas for sitting purpose' instead of 'sofas placed for seating'. Spelling and word-choice errors do not impede communication, but they limit precision, keeping the lexical score at a solid band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at varied structures such as relative clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'which has now been removed' and 'where an information desk and self-service machines have also been added'). There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as 'focus from book-and-newspaper and added different varieties', 'the lecture room has been located in place of a children books area', and missing articles. However, these errors rarely impede communication and the meaning remains clear throughout.

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.