Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-19

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 maps illustrate the layout of the floor of a public library 20 years ago and it looks now.

Overall, it is clear that the the public library has been undergone several changes, including the construction of new facilities (lecture room, and cafe), the relocation or removal of some existing structures. However, certain features such as entrance have remained unchanged.

Looking at the first map, the tables and chairs were located at the middle of the map. In addition, adult fiction books and adult non-fiction books were located in the western and eastern part of the map. Additionally, CDs, videos, and the computers games were situated in the northwest corner of the map. However, the children's books were located in the northeast part of the map. The reading room and the enquiry desk were situated in the southwest and the southeast corner of the map.

Turning to the second map, several noticeable changes can be observed. Firstly, the lecture room has been newly built in the northeast corner of the map. Moreover, the cafe has been constructed in the southeast corner of the map. The reading room has been removed and replaced with the computer room. The adult fiction books side has been turned into the all reference books side. The adult fiction books have been moved beside the information desk and the self-service machines have been developed in near the cafe.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The candidate successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear summary of the changes shown in the two maps of the central library. An appropriate overview is included, highlighting major transformations such as the addition of new facilities like the lecture room and café, the removal or relocation of previous structures, and the persistence of the entrance. Key features are selected and reported well, such as the replacement of the reading room with a computer room and the relocation of adult fiction books. However, there are minor omissions and slight inaccuracies in spatial reporting, such as stating that self-service machines were 'developed in near the cafe' rather than placed in the adult fiction section. Overall, the response meets the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised, beginning with an introductory paragraph that outlines the overall changes, followed by body paragraphs detailing the map from 20 years ago and the current layout respectively. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, including transition phrases like 'Looking at the first map' and 'Turning to the second map'. Paragraphing is appropriate, separating the introduction, overview, past layout, and present layout. However, some referencing and cohesive links are slightly mechanical, such as repetitive use of 'located' and 'situated', and a small error in the overview sentence ('the the public library has been undergone'). Progression is clear throughout, earning a solid Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing maps and spatial changes, utilising terms such as 'relocation', 'construction', 'newly built', and 'replaced'. Less common lexical items are attempted, though with occasional inaccuracies in collocation or word form, such as 'has been undergone' instead of 'has undergone' and 'developed in near the cafe'. Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning without causing significant strain to the reader. To reach higher bands, the student could employ a wider variety of precise synonyms for spatial transitions and modifications.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating passive voice structures ('has been newly built', 'has been removed and replaced') which are appropriate for academic descriptions. There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, notably 'the the public library has been undergone', 'the computers games', and 'developed in near the cafe'. Despite these errors, the majority of sentences are understandable, and punctuation is generally sound. The grammatical range is sufficient for the task, but frequent minor errors prevent a higher score.

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