The plans below show a school library five years ago and the same library now.

School Library Plans Five Years Ago and Now - IELTS Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 6.5 · 186 words.

The two maps illustrate how the layout of a school library changed between five years ago and the same library the present.

Overall, the building underwent a number of significant changes over the period, involving the addition of new facilities, the removal or conversion of existing rooms and improvements to accessibility. As a result, the layout became considerably more modern and functional by the end of the period.

Turning first to the right and central parts of the building, the library office was converted into a conference room, while the meeting room remained in its original position throughout the period. In addition, a new recording studio, borrowing area and returning room were introduced next to the meeting room, and the surrounding area was reorganised to accommodate this development.

As for the remaining areas, the bookshelves were removed and replaced with desks for students' laptops. Meanwhile, the computer area was demolished and replaced into desks for students' laptops, whereas a new private study tables was added in the central section of the building. Consequently, the overall layout became more versatile and better equipped to meet users' needs.

Examiner feedback

The response presents a well-structured and clear comparison of the two library layouts with a strong overview and logical paragraphing. While the task is effectively addressed and cohesive devices are well managed, minor grammatical errors and preposition slips limit the score in grammar and vocabulary.

Task Achievement - 7

- The response successfully covers all the key requirements of the task by comparing the two library layouts. - A clear overview is provided, highlighting the main trends of modernization and facility expansion. - Information is relevant and accurately reflects the spatial changes shown in the visual data.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Information is logically organised with a clear spatial progression from one part of the library to another. - Paragraphing is used effectively to separate different sections of the maps. - Cohesive devices such as 'Turning first to' and 'As for' guide the reader smoothly through the comparison.

Lexical Resource - 6

- A sufficient range of vocabulary is used to describe architectural and spatial modifications (e.g., converted, demolished, versatile). - Word choice is generally appropriate, though occasional lexical inaccuracies and awkward collocations appear. - Spelling is accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 6

- A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is deployed to describe the layout changes. - Some grammatical and agreement errors occur, such as 'a new private study tables was' and awkward phrasing like 'the same library the present'. - Prepositional errors are present, including 'replaced into desks' instead of 'replaced with desks'.

Related prompts

• Male Female Students Art Related Subjects UK University 2011
• Town Centre Changes 1990 and Today
• Male Female Students High Grades Five Subjects Parston School National Average
• Qualifications Staff Advertising Company 1990 and 2010
• Australian School Leavers Activity 1980 1990 2000
• Layout Town Shopping Centre Present and Future Redevelopment