Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-13

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 given diagram showcases the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago, compared to at present. The data is calibrated in the form of a map.

Overall, it is clearly seen that the central lbrary has undergone a substantial transformation, while the layout and size remains similar, all the rooms have been reconstructed or interchanged.

At a fleeting glance, the center of the library used to have tables and chairs to accommodate readers, this area has been completely cleared to allow for more walking space. To the bottom right of the library, the enquirey desk that used to deal with tickets and book returns, has been converted into a cafe. Above the cafe, adult fiction book stands along with an information desk and self-service machines are placed, in contrast to housing adult non-fiction books in the past. Towards the top right of the library, the room that was used to keep children's books has been transformed into a lecture room, used primarly by teachers to give lectures.

Moving further, the bottom left of the library, used to be a reading room, where the public could browse magazines and newspapers, has been turned into a computer room, serving as the library's internet cafe. Above this room, there were adult fiction stands in the past, that have been replaced with all reference books. Furthermore, the room that kept CDs, videos, and computer games has been transformed into a children's room, housing kid's fiction books with storytelling events, along with sofas to provide seating.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response gives a clear overview of substantial internal change while noting that the library’s overall layout remains similar. It accurately reports the removal of the central tables, the conversion of the former enquiry area into a café, and the changes to the rooms on both sides. The comparisons are generally well selected and supported with locations and former uses. However, a few details go beyond the plan: the lecture room is not identified as being used by teachers, and the computer room is not described as an internet café. These additions are plausible but unsupported. The overview could also summarise the broader reorganisation more precisely, rather than saying all rooms were reconstructed or interchanged, since some areas were repurposed and others retained book functions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is organised into an introduction, an overview and two body paragraphs, with the details grouped by the right and left sides of the plan. This gives the reader a generally clear route through the comparisons. Linking phrases such as “To the bottom right,” “Towards the top right” and “Moving further” help signal location and progression. However, the sequence is not always smooth: “At a fleeting glance” is an awkward transition into the first set of details, and “Moving further” does not clearly indicate a move to the opposite side. Some long sentences combine several changes, making relationships between details less easy to follow. More consistent spatial signposting and shorter, clearly separated comparisons would make cohesion more flexible and less dependent on formulaic transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

There is an adequate range of vocabulary for describing the plan, including “transformed,” “converted,” “housing,” and “self-service machines.” The writer also uses location language to distinguish areas and communicates the main changes clearly. However, some choices are inaccurate or unnatural for this task: “the data is calibrated in the form of a map” is unnecessary and imprecise, while “at a fleeting glance” does not fit the intended meaning. Spelling errors such as “lbrary,” “enquirey” and “primarly,” along with the informal “kid’s,” reduce control. A few phrases, including “adult fiction stands,” are less precise than “shelves” or “book section.” More accurate collocations and careful proofreading would strengthen the range already attempted.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response attempts a mix of simple and complex structures, including clauses with “while,” “where,” and “that,” and most meaning remains clear. Some grammatical errors are present, particularly in agreement and sentence construction. In the overview, “the layout and size remains similar” should use a plural verb, and “all the rooms have been reconstructed or interchanged” is an awkwardly constructed claim. The sentence beginning “At a fleeting glance, the center…” joins two independent ideas with a comma, while “the bottom left of the library, used to be a reading room…” has an unclear clause structure. Tense control is also uneven when describing past and present features. Separating long sentences and checking agreement and clause boundaries would improve accuracy.

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

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