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 diagram compares the layout of a public library 20 years ago with its current arrangement.

Overall, the library has been modernised considerably. Several areas have been repurposed to provide more facilities for children and community activities, while traditional sections such as the reading room and media area have disappeared. In addition, the enquiry desk has been replaced by an information desk.

Twenty years ago, the library was divided into six sections. CDs, videos and computer games were located in the upper left corner, while children's books occupied the upper right side. Adult fiction books and adult non-fiction books were situated in the centre-left and centre-right respectively. A reading room containing newspapers and magazines was placed in the lower left corner, opposite an enquiry desk near the entrance. Tables and chairs occupied the middle of the library.

Today, the left-hand side has been transformed into an area for children. The former multimedia section and reading room have been replaced by children's fiction books, storytelling events and sofas. On the right-hand side, the children's book section has been converted into a lecture room. Adult fiction books remain in the middle-right area, although the enquiry desk has been changed into an information desk.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the task by comparing the layout of the public library twenty years ago with its current arrangement. However, the description is incomplete and contains significant inaccuracies regarding the current layout. For instance, the student states that the former multimedia section and reading room have been replaced by children's fiction books, whereas the visual data shows that the top-left area is now for children's fiction and storytelling, while the bottom-left is a computer room. Furthermore, the student completely omits major current features such as the reference books, self-service machines, the new computer room, and the café. Because some areas are under-developed, inaccurately reported, or missed entirely, the response sits at this level rather than fully covering all details of the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly into an introduction with a clear overview, followed by separate paragraphs detailing the library twenty years ago and today. Cohesive devices are used flexibly, such as chronological markers ('Twenty years ago', 'Today') and transitional phrases ('In addition', 'while', 'although'). Paragraphing is managed effectively, ensuring each section has a distinct thematic focus. The relationship between ideas is easy to follow, supporting a smooth flow of information from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The vocabulary used is sufficient for the task and demonstrates some flexibility and precision with appropriate academic and descriptive collocations, such as 'layout', 'repurposed', 'transformed', and 'converted'. The writer attempts some less common lexical items with awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are generally accurate and allow the message to be communicated clearly, though occasional minor slips or limitations in covering the full range of library features prevent it from reaching a higher descriptor level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as subordinate clauses ('while traditional sections such as the reading room and media area have disappeared') and participial phrases. There is a high frequency of error-free sentences, and the writer maintains good control of grammar and punctuation throughout. Verb tenses are handled correctly to contrast past and present states ('was divided', 'have been repurposed', 'remain'), and prepositions inside grammatical patterns are used accurately. Only occasional minor issues prevent it from achieving top-tier status.

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