How an office building looks at present and the plan for its future development
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Diagram

IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The diagrams below show how an office building looks at present and the plan for its future development. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Common questions for the diagram
1. Graph Type: Diagram (Floor Plan)
2. Title: Present and Future Plan of an Office Building
3. What are the units of measurement?: Not applicable
4. Who: Office building layout
5. When: Present and future
6. Where: Office building location (not specified)
7. Topic: Comparison between current and proposed office building layouts
Comparison Showing and Trends
Comparison 1: Current Layout
- Details:
1. Two grass areas on the west and east sides.
2. Reception and washroom on the eastern side.
3. Four offices are located on the southern side.
4. The kitchen, canteen, and stock room are situated on the northern side.
Comparison 2 : Planned Future Layout
- Details:
1. The western grass area is to be converted into an outdoor activity space.
2. The eastern grass area will become a coffee counter and meeting area.
3. Reception and entrance are to be relocated centrally.
4. Two new office rooms have replaced the kitchen and canteen.
5. The stock room remains unchanged.
Sample Answer
The provided layouts illustrate the current and planned future designs for an office building. Significant modifications have been proposed for the building’s future structure.
At present, the building features two grass areas on the west and east sides. A reception and a washroom are situated in the lower part of the eastern grassland, while four offices occupy the southern area. The northern section houses a kitchen, a canteen, and a stock room.
The future plan indicates substantial changes. The western grass area will be transformed into an outdoor activity zone, while the eastern side will be divided into a coffee counter (north) and a meeting area (south). The current reception and entrance are planned to move to the centre, between two office rooms on the southern side. The kitchen and canteen will be replaced with two new office spaces, but the stock room will remain in its current position.
Overall, the proposed changes suggest a complete renovation of the building aimed at enhancing functionality with added meeting areas and recreational spaces.
Top 28 Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples | Type |
Layout | The way in which parts of something are arranged | Plan, arrangement | “The office layout will undergo significant changes in the future.” | Noun |
Renovation | The action of improving a building | Refurbishment, makeover | “The office building is planned to be completely renovated.” | Noun |
Reception | An area for receiving visitors | Lobby, entryway | “The reception will be moved to the central part of the building.” | Noun |
Transform | To make a thorough or dramatic change | Alter, convert | “The western grass area will be transformed into an outdoor activity space.” | Verb |
Retain | To continue to have something | Keep, maintain | “The stock room will retain its position in the future layout.” | Verb |
Modification | A change or adjustment | Alteration, adjustment | “Significant modifications have been proposed.” | Noun |
Proposed | Suggested for consideration | Recommended, planned | “The proposed design aims to enhance functionality.” | Adjective |
Structure | The arrangement of parts in a building or system | Framework, form | “The building’s structure will undergo major changes.” | Noun |
Feature | A distinctive or important aspect | Attribute, characteristic | “The current building features two grass areas.” | Noun/Verb |
Situate | To place or position in a particular location | Locate, position | “The reception is situated in the lower eastern part.” | Verb |
Occupy | To take up space or be positioned in a place | Fill, cover | “Four offices occupy the southern area of the building.” | Verb |
Section | A specific part or area of something | Zone, division | “The northern section houses a kitchen and a canteen.” | Noun |
Convert | To change into a different form | Transform, modify | “The eastern area will be converted into a coffee counter.” | Verb |
Expand | To increase in size or scope | Enlarge, extend | “The meeting area will expand into the eastern section.” | Verb |
Allocate | To assign or designate for a particular purpose | Assign, distribute | “Space will be allocated for outdoor activities.” | Verb |
Adjacent | Next to or adjoining something else | Nearby, neighboring | “The coffee counter will be adjacent to the meeting area.” | Adjective |
Enhance | To improve the quality or value | Boost, upgrade | “The renovation aims to enhance workplace efficiency.” | Verb |
Recreational | Related to leisure and enjoyment | Leisure, entertaining | “An outdoor recreational area will replace the grass space.” | Adjective |
Revamp | To give a new and improved form | Remodel, overhaul | “The office layout is set to undergo a complete revamp.” | Verb |
Implement | To put into effect | Execute, apply | “The planned changes will be implemented next year.” | Verb |
Rearrange | To change the order or position of something | Restructure, reposition | “The entrance will be rearranged to the centre.” | Verb |
Demolish | To completely destroy a structure | Tear down, dismantle | “Some old partitions will be demolished for the new design.” | Verb |
Preserve | To maintain or keep in original condition | Protect, retain | “The stock room will be preserved in the new layout.” | Verb |
Reconfigure | To change the arrangement of something | Adjust, redesign | “The building’s layout will be reconfigured for efficiency.” | Verb |
Refurbish | To renovate and redecorate | Renew, refresh | “The office spaces will be refurbished with modern decor.” | Verb |
Incorporate | To include or integrate as part of a whole | Integrate, merge | “The design will incorporate a larger meeting area.” | Verb |
Optimize | To make the best or most effective use of something | Maximize, improve | “The modifications aim to optimize space utilization.” | Verb |

Our Books
Master IELTS Speaking Part 1
IELTS Writing Task 1 Book
IELTS Writing Task 2 Book
Writing Task 1 Question Types
Practice IELTS Other Modules
IELTS Listening
The IELTS Listening test assesses how well you can understand spoken English in various contexts. It lasts about 30 minutes and is divided into four sections with a total of 40 questions. The listening tasks become increasingly difficult as the test progresses.
IELTS Academic Reading
The IELTS Academic Reading section assesses your ability to understand and interpret a variety of texts in academic settings. It is designed to evaluate a range of reading skills, including skimming for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, understanding inferences, and recognizing a writer's opinions and arguments.
IELTS Speaking
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate in English on everyday topics. It lasts 11-14 minutes and consists of three parts: introduction, cue card, and a discussion based on the cue card topic.
IELTS General Reading
IELTS General Reading tests your ability to understand and interpret various types of texts. Here are some key areas and types of content you can expect to encounter in the reading section, along with tips for effective preparation.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you are presented with a visual representation of information, such as graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams, and you are required to summarize, compare, or explain the data in your own words.
IELTS General Writing Task 1
In IELTS General Writing Task 1, you are required to write a letter based on a given situation. The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal, depending on the prompt. Here’s a breakdown of the key components to include in your letter
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you are required to write an essay in response to a question or topic. Here’s a guide to help you understand the essential elements of this task
IELTS Exam Tips
To succeed in the IELTS exam, practice regularly, familiarize yourself with the test format, improve your vocabulary, develop time management skills, and take mock tests to build confidence.
Grammer for IELTS
Grammar is the foundation of effective communication in English. Understanding tense usage, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure enhances clarity and coherence in writing and speaking.
Vocabulary for IELTS
Vocabulary plays a crucial role in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Here’s an overview of why vocabulary is important and how it impacts your performance
RECENT IELTS SAMPLES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Task 1 – Bar Graph – Percentage of UK Households with Selected Consumer Durables (1998–2005).
[df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Diagram – The process of canning of fish.
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Diagram – The life cycle of the salmon
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Bar Graph – Methods of Waste Disposal in Four Countries
[df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Combination : Bar Graph – Employment Rates of Men and Women Aged 60-64 in Four Countries (1970 and 2000)
[df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Table – The information about medical care in three European countries between 1980 and 2000
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...