Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-02

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 6.5)

The provided diagram illustrates the floor plan of the Central Library 20 years ago and its current layout.

Overall, the library has undergone significant changes in its layout over the past two decades. The areas for CDs, videos, and computer games have been replaced by a computer room and lecture room. Additionally, the floor plan now includes specific areas for children's fiction books, self-service machines, and a cafe near the entrance.

Initially, 20 years ago, the library comprised sections for CDs, videos, computer games, children's books, adult fiction and non-fiction books, a reading room for newspapers and magazines, tables with chairs, and an inquiry desk close to the entrance. The floor plan featured segregated spaces for different types of media, indicating a traditional library setup.

In contrast, the present library layout displays notable alternations. The ares for CDs, videos, and computer games have been replaced by a computer room and a lecture room. Moreover, the layout now includes specific spaces for children's fiction books, all reference books, an information desk, self-service machines, and a cafe near the entrance. This shift signifies an adaptation to modern library needs, with a stronger emphasis on digital resources and interactive spaces.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing an overview of the main changes and reporting key features of the Central Library from both 20 years ago and the present day. For instance, the mention of how areas like CDs and videos were replaced by a computer room and lecture room captures the core transformation. However, certain areas are somewhat under-developed or repetitively described; for example, the body paragraphs repeat very similar points about the replacement of media zones and the addition of a café near the entrance. To reach a higher level, the response should integrate more specific data and comparisons fluidly without repetitive looping.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is arranged sensibly, starting with an introduction and overall statement, followed by a chronological look at the past layout and a contrastive look at the present layout. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Initially, 20 years ago', and 'In contrast' are used effectively to guide the reader through the spatial transformations. Paragraphing is managed appropriately, with each section fulfilling a distinct purpose. While cohesion is generally clear and effective, the slight repetition of ideas across paragraphs prevents it from achieving a higher level of seamless flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items related to architectural layout and library features, such as 'segregated spaces', 'traditional library setup', and 'adaptation to modern library needs'. However, there are a few lexical errors and typos, such as spelling 'alternations' instead of 'alternations/alterations' and 'ares' instead of 'areas', which indicate some inaccuracy in word choice and spelling. The vocabulary is generally sufficient to convey meaning clearly, but occasional slips keep it within this band rather than a higher tier.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

There is a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms used throughout the response, showing a solid control of grammatical structures. Sentences such as 'The areas for CDs, videos, and computer games have been replaced by a computer room and lecture room' demonstrate accurate use of the passive voice. While there are some minor errors, such as missing articles ('a cafe' instead of 'a café' with proper diacritic, though acceptable) or slight prepositional slips, grammar and punctuation errors are infrequent and rarely impede communication. The presence of frequent error-free sentences underpins the solid control shown here.

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