The maps show the layout of a central library . 20 years ago, the majority of the sections of the library were devoted to reading. Upon entrance, a couple of round tables with chairs around them appeared in the center, while the right-hand side of the entrance was devoted to an enquiry desk and its opposite side to reading newspapers and magazines. On either side of the tables, there were fiction and non-fiction books for adults, the top right and left corners were used for children’s books and multimedia purposes (CDs, videos and computer games), respectively. , this building has been completely altered. The enquiry desk has been replaced by a room for a brand-new café, and the room to the left of the entrance has been converted into a computer room. It is also worth noting that the tables in the middle have been removed, making the foyer more spacious. Additionally, the room for children’s books has been made into a lecture room, and the space between it and the new café now houses an information desk flanked by three self-service machines and adult fiction books. is the to host storytelling events and feature children’s books, with all reference books being placed just below this room. Overall, the public library has experienced a complete makeover with the expansion of some rooms. It is also clear that all the rooms have now been repurposed to include new amenities and space for events, with an increased focus on technology.
Central Library Floor Plan Changes Over 20 Years
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.
Annotated response
9 correction notes
Overall assessment
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response demonstrates a strong command of map description, covering both periods with accurate spatial detail and a clear overview of the library's transformation. The main limitation is a small number of imprecise details and occasional slips in phrasing that slightly reduce precision rather than clarity.
IELTS criteria
How each score was decided
Task Achievement
7.0The response covers both maps clearly, provides a relevant overview of the repurposing and increased focus on technology, and reports most changes accurately, though a few details blur the exact location of the children's fiction books and the fate of the adult non-fiction area.
Coherence and Cohesion
7.0Ideas progress logically from the past layout to the present one and then to an overall summary, with cohesive devices such as 'By today', 'Additionally' and 'It is also worth noting' used naturally, though some referencing is slightly loose.
Lexical Resource
7.0Vocabulary is flexible and precise for a map task, with effective phrases like 'completely altered', 'converted into', 'flanked by' and 'complete makeover', with only a minor typographical slip and a slightly awkward fixed phrase.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
7.0A wide range of structures is used confidently, including passive transformations, participle clauses ('making the foyer more spacious') and absolute constructions ('with all reference books being placed'), with errors that are rare and non-impeding.