This is a model IELTS Writing Task 1 response for a topic from a recent exam in Kuwait, Nigeria and Iran

Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The two plans below show the layout of a cinema in 1980 and now. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

Sample Band 8 Report

The two plans are showing the layout of a cinema in 1980 and now, including the location of the screening theatres, box office, Manager's office, toilets and car park.

It can be seen that over time the number of screening theatres grew significantly; however, their size has shrunk.

In 1980 there were two screening theatres, Cinema 1 and 2. Cinema 1 was the closest to the entry, on the left. The box office was located on the right near the entrance, with the drinks counter to its right. Further away from the entrance on the right side there was the Manager's office and Cinema 2. The toilets were located opposite Cinema 2 on the left side of the building, and along the back wall there was a car park.

Quite a few things have changed since 1980. The number of screening theatres grew from 2 to 5, with Cinemas 1 and 2 located to the left of the entrance and Cinemas 3, 4 and 5 – to the right. The car park had to go, to make room for the new theatres. A café opened to the left of the entrance, serving food and drinks, and the old drinks counter next to the box office was converted to a DVD shop. The only things whose locations didn't change were the box office, the Manager's office and the toilets.

Teacher's comment: This response describes the two plans in great detail. The writer's vocabulary and word choice are adequate, and the comparison of the plans is comprehensive and well-organised. Overall, this work is likely to get Band 8.

IELTS Fact

The fastest improvement in your Writing score happens when you get feedback on your written tasks from an IELTS Expert.

Avoid the costly 'trial and error' method, submit your writing for correction and start progressing quickly and reliably to a higher Band Score today.

Start Here

Recommended Resources

Academic IELTS Book

"Personally, I can say that your book was so fundamental to my preparation that without it I think I would barely receive a 6.5." - Leonardo from Brazil

Learn more

Buy Now

General Training IELTS Book

"This book provides concise and useful tips to complete all test tasks well and on-time. Thanks again for recommending this great book to me." - Michelle P. from Malaysia

Learn more

Buy Now

Practice Tests for IELTS

"As it turned out, the test was in exactly the same format as your examples. I would not have been able to achieve my 8 overall score on my own" - Martin from Germany

Learn more

Buy Now

IELTS Online Prep Platform

*Desktop / Laptop (not for mobile)

"These practice tests are in the same format and at the same difficulty level as the real test. The tests are not only useful for preparing for the exam, but also for developing all the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking." - Mironi from Japan

Start Free Trial