Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The maps illustrate changes made to a public library over a 20-year period.
Overall, the library underwent substantial changes to its internal layout, although its basic rectangular structure and the position of the entrance remained unchanged. The central tables and chairs were removed, while several traditional facilities were replaced by areas for technology, events and other services.
In the original layout, two large tables surrounded by chairs occupied the centre of the library. This area has now been left open. In the bottom-right corner, the enquiry desk has been replaced by a café, while the former adult non-fiction section has been reorganised into three areas: adult fiction books, an information desk and self-service machines. The children's books section in the top-right corner has also been converted into a lecture room.
On the left side of the library, the former reading room has been replaced by a computer room. The area previously used for CDs, videos and computer games has been enlarged and now contains children's fiction books, a seating area and a storytelling area. Finally, the former adult fiction section has been converted into an area for reference books.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully satisfies the requirements of Academic Writing Task 1. The student provides a clear, well-developed overview outlining the main changes, noting that while the basic rectangular structure and entrance remained the same, the internal layout underwent substantial transformation. Key features are accurately reported and compared across the two time periods, such as the removal of the central seating, the relocation and conversion of the reading room into a computer room, and the replacement of the enquiry desk with a café. The information is fully grounded in the provided diagram with no misinterpretations or invented data. The selection of data is logical and effectively contrasts the past layout with the present arrangement, earning a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression from the introduction to the overall summary and detailed body paragraphs. Each paragraph has a clear focus, moving from general structural notes to specific changes in the right and left sections of the library. Cohesive devices such as 'although', 'while', and 'finally' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the spatial transformations. Referencing is clear throughout, and paragraphing is managed appropriately to separate the macro-level view from the granular spatial details, resulting in smooth and logical reading.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical resource appropriate for an academic mapping task. Vocabulary items such as 'substantial changes', 'internal layout', 'reorganised', 'converted', and 'enlarged' are used precisely to describe spatial and functional modifications. Collocations are natural, and there are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. The writer avoids repetitive phrasing by skillfully employing varied synonyms to describe alterations to the rooms over the 20-year span.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('although its basic rectangular structure... remained unchanged', 'while several traditional facilities were replaced...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over tense usage is excellent, maintaining appropriate past and present forms when contrasting the two layouts. Punctuation is accurate, and syntactic control is maintained throughout, reflecting a high level of grammatical proficiency.
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