Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-04

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 5.5)

The diagram illustrate, the refurbished layout of the cafe and compared with past designed of the cafe.

In detail, the previous layout signifies that, the kitchen situated on the north-western side, just below to that area there was a single serving section, which included all foods and drinks. Moreover, in the middle section of the cafe table and chairs arranged for cafe customers. Furthermore, on the top northern side there were two staff dining rooms, and on the south-eastern corner there were bin and toilets facilitated for general use.

In contrast, the single serving area is now replaced with hot meals, and the staff dining room is transformed into take away section and coffee bar. Additionally, the salad bar is introduced on the far west side and the recycle bin space is enlarged in capacity. Notably, the barbecue is established on the outside cafe, there are two doors reconstructed to reach barbecue and the outdoor siting is arranged especially for barbecue customer, the location is far side of the southern side.

Overall, the cafe underwent with various development, and there are individual sections for foods. Eventually, the Kitchen, toilets and siting area remined unchanged in the cafe.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the cafe redesign, including the changes to the serving area, the addition of the salad bar, and the new outdoor barbecue facilities. You also correctly noted the elements that remained unchanged. However, the response lacks a clear overview or summary paragraph that synthesizes the most significant changes. While you have reported the details, the description could be more analytical by grouping features more logically. The inclusion of specific details like the 'north-western side' is good, but ensure that the overall trend of the transformation is highlighted more prominently in the introduction or conclusion to meet the requirements for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression from the 'previous layout' to the 'contrast' of the current layout. You use some cohesive devices such as 'In detail', 'Moreover', 'In contrast', and 'Additionally'. However, some of these transitions feel slightly mechanical or forced. The referencing is generally clear, but there are instances where the flow between sentences is a bit choppy. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the relationship between sentences is more fluid and natural.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have an adequate range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'refurbished', 'transformed', 'enlarged', and 'reconstructed'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'barbecue is established on the outside cafe' and 'siting area remined unchanged'. The word 'siting' is likely a misspelling of 'seating', and 'remained' is misspelled. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and ensuring correct spelling will help improve your score in this area.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'The diagram illustrate' (subject-verb agreement), 'compared with past designed' (incorrect word form), and 'the cafe underwent with various development' (incorrect preposition and noun form). Additionally, there are punctuation issues, such as unnecessary commas after 'signifies that' and 'layout'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage will significantly enhance the accuracy of your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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