Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-27

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 9.0)

## IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 – Model Answer

The two floor plans illustrate how the layout of a **central public library** has changed over a period of 20 years.

### Band 8–9 Sample Answer

Overall, the library has undergone **considerable modernisation**, with several areas being replaced by facilities such as a computer room, café, lecture room and self-service machines. The original reading room, enquiry desk and collection of CDs, videos and computer games have disappeared, while the entrance has remained in the same position.

Twenty years ago, the **left-hand side** of the library was mainly devoted to books and reading facilities. CDs, videos and computer games were located in the top-left corner, while adult fiction books occupied the middle-left section. A reading room containing newspapers and magazines was situated in the bottom-left corner. On the opposite side, children's books were placed at the top, adult non-fiction books in the middle, and an enquiry desk was located in the bottom-right corner. The central area contained several tables and chairs.

The library now has a **more varied range of facilities**. The former CDs, videos and computer games area has been converted into a children's fiction section, with two sofas and a dedicated space for storytelling events. The previous reading room and adult fiction area on the left have been replaced by **all reference books** and a computer room respectively. On the right, adult fiction books are now located in the upper-middle section, while the former children's-book area has become a lecture room. An information desk and three self-service machines have also been added.

Finally, the former enquiry desk has been replaced by a **café**, and the central tables and chairs have been removed. Despite these substantial changes, the **main entrance remains at the centre of the southern wall**.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 9.0

The response fully satisfies the requirements of Academic Writing Task 1. It provides a clear, comprehensive overview of the changes that occurred over the 20-year period, noting both significant additions (such as the computer room, cafe, and self-service machines) and removals (such as the central tables and chairs). The student effectively contrasts the layout of the library from 20 years ago with its current state, making accurate comparisons regarding spatial shifts such as the relocation of children's and adult book sections. All main features from the visual data are accurately reported without any noticeable omissions or misinterpretations, demonstrating a well-developed and precise response that aligns comfortably with the top band descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 9.0

The writing is exceptionally well-structured and easy to follow. Information is logically organized into clear paragraphs, starting with a concise introduction and overview, followed by a detailed paragraph on the past layout, a paragraph on current changes, and a concluding paragraph summarizing the overarching transformation. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'on the opposite side', 'previously', and 'despite these substantial changes' are used with natural precision and never feel mechanical or obtrusive. Paragraphing is handled appropriately, ensuring smooth logical progression throughout the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 9.0

The student exhibits a wide, fluent, and flexible vocabulary range suited to describing spatial layouts and transformations. Words and phrases such as 'considerable modernisation', 'devoted to', 'converted into', and 'substantive changes' are deployed accurately and naturally. Less common lexical items related to library architecture and amenities are handled with a strong command of collocation and style. Spelling and word choice are virtually flawless, reflecting sophisticated control over the lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 9.0

A wide variety of complex grammatical structures is employed with complete flexibility and accuracy. The writer effortlessly integrates passive constructions ('have been replaced', 'were located', 'have been removed'), prepositional phrases of place, and concessive clauses. The vast majority of sentences are completely error-free, with only rare, minor slips entirely absent here. Punctuation is used expertly to guide the reader through detailed spatial comparisons, demonstrating full mastery over sentence architecture.

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