Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-26

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 8.0)

The diagrams illustrate the structural alterations made to the floor plan of the Central Library over a 20-year period.

Overall, the library has undergone a comprehensive modernization. It transitioned from a traditional study space into an interactive facility by integrating technology, entertainment, and refreshments while removing central seating.

In the center of the old layout, a group of tables and chairs has been entirely removed to create a broad, open walkway. On the left side of the entrance, the original reading room has been converted into a modern computer room. Moving upward, the area once designated for adult fiction books now houses all reference books. At the far top-left corner, the old multimedia section for CDs and computer games was expanded and repurposed into a room for children’s fiction and storytelling events, complete with two sofas.

Major changes also occurred on the right side of the library. The enquiry desk next to the entrance has been replaced by a café. In the middle section, the adult non-fiction books were removed, and this space now features adult fiction books alongside an information desk and self-service machines. Finally, in the top-right corner, the old children’s book room was replaced with a new lecture room.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The candidate has provided a fully developed response that successfully covers all key features of the two diagrams. An appropriate and clear overall summary is provided right at the beginning, highlighting the primary modernization theme of the library. The main body paragraphs accurately report the significant structural changes, such as the removal of central seating, the relocation of books, and the introduction of new amenities like the café, lecture room, and computer room. The spatial comparisons and descriptions are precise and grounded directly in the provided visual data, showing a strong ability to select, report, and compare main features without missing any crucial details.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression from start to finish. The introduction establishes the context, the second paragraph provides a succinct overview, and the subsequent paragraphs systematically break down the changes on the left and right sides of the library. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In the center', 'Moving upward', and 'Major changes also occurred' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the floor plans. Paragraphing is logical, with each paragraph serving a distinct and appropriate purpose in structuring the report.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The candidate uses a sufficiently wide and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Less common lexical items and precise collocation phrases—such as 'comprehensive modernization', 'structural alterations', 'repurposed', and 'designated'—demonstrate a strong control over word choice. There are very few lexical inaccuracies; the terminology used to describe the library's layout is natural and adds clarity to the comparisons. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the response, supporting fluid communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The student exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, successfully blending simple and complex sentences. Structures like 'It transitioned from a traditional study space into an interactive facility by integrating technology...' and 'the area once designated for adult fiction books now houses all reference books' demonstrate strong syntactic flexibility and control. The majority of sentences are error-free, with accurate tense usage representing past states versus present realities. Punctuation is handled well, and there are no grammatical slips that impede readability.

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