Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-22

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 map illustrates the changes made to a public library over 20 years of time period.

Overall, the layout presents considerable changes made in all sections of the library. The entrance remained the same, in center of the library.

In the old library, there were tables and chairs in the center of the library, which is now kept an open empty space, ensuring smooth transition from one section to another. On the bottomright side of the library, there used to be an Enquiry room which is replaced by a Cafe now, its shape is also changed to a complete rectangle room. Moving further in the right section, the Adult non-fiction books segment experienced huge variation, divided into 3 different parts, information desk in the middle, self-service machines close to the cafe, and adult fiction books on further side of information desk. Children's books room is changed into Lecture room on the topright side.

Similarly, on the bottomleft part of the library, Reading room is replaced by Computer room. Whereas, the CDs, Video games room on the topleft side underwent most changes with increase in room size, accommodating the seating space, storytelling events and Children's fiction books section. Lastly, the open space between both rooms is transformed into All reference books section from Adult fiction books part of the library.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The candidate successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons between the two library layouts. An appropriate overview is provided, noting that considerable changes occurred across all sections while the entrance remained the same. Key spatial shifts are accurately detailed, such as the transformation of the reading room into a computer room and the expansion of the children's fiction and storytelling space. While a few minor details could be further elaborated, the response covers the diagram comprehensively and satisfies all requirements of Task Achievement at a Band 7.0 level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression from the general overview to specific details regarding the left, right, and central areas of the library. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different sections of the floor plan. Cohesive devices are employed with reasonable flexibility, such as 'Overall,' 'In the old library,' and 'Similarly,' though transitional phrasing can occasionally feel somewhat mechanical. Referencing is generally clear, allowing the reader to easily follow the spatial comparisons between the past and present layouts.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe spatial arrangements and modifications effectively with items like 'considerable changes,' 'smooth transition,' and 'experiented huge variation.' However, there are some minor lexical inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as 'kept an open empty space' instead of 'left as an open space' or 'on further side of information desk' instead of 'on the far side.' Despite these minor flaws, the range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms to describe the spatial transformations. Grammatical control is generally decent, but there are noticeable errors in prepositions and articles, such as 'in center of the library' (missing article 'the') and 'bottomright side' (spacing/compounding error). Relative clauses and participial phrases are attempted with mixed success ('which is replaced by a Cafe now, its shape is also changed' resulting in a comma splice). These errors do not impede communication, placing the response firmly at Band 6.0.

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