Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-01

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 7.0)

The diagrams compare the layout of a central library 20 year ago with its current design.

Overall, the library has undergone considerable developments, with several section replaced by new facilities. These includes a cafe, lecture room, storytelling area, computer room and self-servicing machines. The central sitting area has also been removed.

Twenty years ago, the children’s books section was located in the north-east, while CDs, videos and computer games occupied the north-west corner. A reading room was situated in the south-west, and the entrance was in the middle of the southern wall, with an enquiry desk beside it. Two round tables with chairs stood in the centre. Adult fiction books were on the western side, whereas non-fiction books were on the eastern side.

Currently, the former multimedia room has been converted into a storytelling area, and the children’s section has been expanded. The reading room has been replaced by a lecture room, while the enquiry desk has become a café. A computer room has been added near the entrance. In addition, reference books now occupy the western side, while an information desk, three self-service machines and a larger adult fiction section are located on the eastern side.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview of the major changes between the two floor plans of the central library, such as the replacement of sections and the removal of the central sitting area. The main features are selected and reported accurately, including the new café, lecture room, and storytelling area. The ideas are well-extended and supported with specific spatial details, comparing the past layout (e.g., 'children’s books section was located in the north-east') with the present layout (e.g., 'former multimedia room has been converted into a storytelling area'). While the response satisfies the requirements for a high standard, to reach an even higher level, it could provide slightly more precise synthesis or comparative commentary regarding the overall shift in the library's function from quiet study to community engagement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The report displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly, beginning with an introductory overview paragraph, followed by a clear body paragraph describing the library 20 years ago, and a final paragraph detailing the current layout. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately to connect ideas and map locations (e.g., 'Twenty years ago', 'whereas', 'Currently', 'In addition'). Paragraphing is managed effectively to separate different periods of time. The referencing of locations (such as 'western side', 'eastern side', and 'southern wall') helps guide the reader smoothly through the spatial changes without confusion, reflecting a high level of overall coherence.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision suited to describing visual data. Less common lexical items are attempted with good awareness of style, such as 'undergone considerable developments', 'converted into', and 'occupy'. However, there are a few minor vocabulary and word-form errors that prevent the score from being higher, such as writing '20 year ago' instead of 'years', and 'self-servicing machines' instead of the more standard term 'self-service machines' as seen in the prompt. Despite these occasional slips, the vocabulary remains adequate to convey precise changes in layout and function without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response employs a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilising subordinate clauses and prepositional phrases effectively (e.g., 'while CDs, videos and computer games occupied the north-west corner'). There is good control over tense usage, shifting appropriately between the past simple tense for the historical layout and the present perfect or present simple tense for current features. However, there are some noticeable grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues in the introduction ('These includes a cafe...'), which keep the response at the current level. Punctuation is generally accurate, and complex structures are attempted, though minor slips in articles or agreement persist.

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

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