Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-29

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 current library compared to 20 years ago looks much different and organised. The old library had a videos, computer section but now that same spot is a section for storytelling events and has children's fiction books. Towards the upper right side of the old library, it has the children's book section whereas today the library has a lecture room. The information desk is located in the middle right side of the new library compared to the old library where the enquiry desk was at bottom right. The new library has a computer room at the bottom left besides the entrance but the old library had the computer room at the upper left. The reference books section is located at the middle left section, this section was missing in the old library. Another missing feature is the cafe which is at the bottom right of the new library, absent from the old one. The new library has self service machines as well. The old library had its tables and chairs in the centre part of the library.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully identifies and reports the main changes between the central library 20 years ago and its current layout, covering several key areas such as the storytelling room, lecture room, computer room, and the newly introduced café and self-service machines. However, the response lacks an overarching summary or overview paragraph, which is essential for a Band 7 or higher in Academic Task 1. Some comparisons are a bit fragmented rather than integrated smoothly, and certain details are slightly imprecise regarding locations (e.g., describing the computer room location). Nonetheless, the primary information is accurately extracted, earning a solid Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response suffers from a lack of proper paragraphing, as all 177 words are written in a single block of text. This makes the overall progression feel somewhat dense and less cohesive than required for higher bands. While the writer uses basic transitional devices and comparisons ('compared to', 'whereas', 'another missing feature'), referencing is sometimes repetitive or slightly mechanical. Logical sequencing is present as the student moves section by section through the floor plans, but the absence of paragraph division limits the score to a Band 5.5.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The lexical range is adequate for the task, successfully incorporating specific vocabulary related to library layouts such as 'storytelling events', 'reference books', 'information desk', and 'self-service machines'. The writer attempts some less common vocabulary ('absent from the old one', 'missing feature'), though there are occasional awkward collocations or phrasing, such as 'looks much different and organised' (which lacks standard prepositional support). Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended message without causing communication breakdown, placing it firmly at Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The old library had a videos, computer section but now that same spot is a section for storytelling events...' and 'The new library has a computer room at the bottom left besides the entrance...'. There are minor grammatical slips and awkward phrasings, such as 'had a videos, computer section' and 'besides the entrance' (intended as 'beside'). However, these errors are relatively infrequent and do not impede overall communication. The control of grammar is reasonably good for a mid-level response, supporting a Band 6.0.

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

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