Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-07-30
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The plans below show a college cafe before it was redesigned and how it looks now.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The plans below show a college cafe before it was redesigned and how it looks now.
Student answer (Band 8.5)
The map illustrates the changes made to a university café following its recent renovation.
Overall, the layout has been modernized to accommodate more seating and a wider variety of dining options, with several dedicated food stations replacing the older, simpler setup.
In the original design, the central space was dominated by a large dining area filled with tables and chairs. The northern section contained two private dining rooms for staff, while the kitchen and a combined food and drinks counter were situated in the north-west corner. Toilets were located in the south-east corner, directly opposite a single dustbin.
Following the reconstruction, the overall seating area has been expanded, and an outdoor dining area featuring a barbecue corner has been introduced. The former staff dining rooms have been replaced by a takeaway food counter and a coffee bar along the northern wall. In addition, the original counter and kitchen area have been reconfigured into a dedicated hot meals section with a kitchen positioned behind it. Finally, the single dustbin has been upgraded to a set of recycling bins on the western side, while a new salad bar has been installed directly opposite.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear summary of the main features and successfully highlighted the key changes between the two plans. The overview is concise and captures the essence of the renovation, specifically noting the modernization and expansion of dining options. You have made relevant comparisons throughout, such as contrasting the original staff dining rooms with the new takeaway and coffee counters. The information is accurate and well-selected, ensuring the reader gains a comprehensive understanding of the transformation without unnecessary detail.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the introduction, overview, and the detailed description of the changes. Cohesive devices such as 'In the original design', 'Following the reconstruction', and 'In addition' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the comparison. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, which contributes to a natural and professional tone.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a descriptive task. Phrases like 'accommodate more seating', 'dedicated food stations', and 'reconfigured' show a level of precision and flexibility. The vocabulary is natural and fits the context of describing architectural changes well. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated, topic-specific terms related to spatial layout or design could elevate the response further toward the highest band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as passive voice constructions ('have been replaced', 'has been installed') and participial phrases, which are ideal for this type of report. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your descriptions. There are no noticeable grammatical slips, and the overall accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English syntax.
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