Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The diagrams show the layout of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks today.

Overall, it is clear that the library has changed considerably over the 20-year period. Several new facilities have been added, while some old areas have been replaced or changed. However, the main entrance and some parts of the library have remained in the same places.

Looking first at the left side of the library, the area for CDs, videos and computer games in the top-left corner has been replaced by sofas, a storytelling area and a children's fiction section. Moreover, the adult fiction books area in the middle-left has been changed into an area for all reference books. In addition, the reading room at the bottom-left has been replaced by a computer room.

On the right side, the children's books area has been converted into a lecture room. Furthermore, the adult non-fiction books area in the middle-right has been replaced by an adult fiction section, an information desk and some self-service machines. Finally, the enquiry desk at the bottom-right has been replaced by a café. The tables and chairs in the central area have also been removed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear and accurate summary of the changes shown in the two floor plans. The response accurately reports key spatial transformations, such as the conversion of the old CD and video room into a storytelling and children's fiction area, and the addition of self-service machines and a café. An effective overall summary is included in the second paragraph, highlighting both the major changes and the elements that remained the same (such as the main entrance). The comparisons are well-selected and fully grounded in the provided visual data, meeting all requirements for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Information and ideas are logically sequenced with a clear overall progression. The essay is divided into appropriate paragraphs, starting with an introduction, moving to an overview, and then logically breaking down the changes by the left and right sides of the library. Cohesive devices such as 'Looking first at', 'Moreover', and 'On the right side' are used smoothly and appropriately to guide the reader through the spatial comparisons without being obtrusive.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as 'layout', 'facilities', 'converted', and 'spatial transformations' (implicitly). Word choices are generally precise and natural (e.g., 'has been replaced by', 'remained in the same places'). There are no noticeable lexical errors or inappropriate word forms, and communication is clear and fluent throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including passive voice constructions ('has been replaced by', 'has been converted into') which are particularly apt for describing changes to floor plans. Grammar and punctuation are handled with a high degree of accuracy; the majority of sentences are error-free, and control over verb tenses (present perfect for changes over the 20-year period) is consistently maintained.

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

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