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 plans illustrate a college cafe after the reconstruction and when it is not reconstructs.
Major change occurs in staff room dining which convert into coffee bar and in take away spot. Outer seating spot also constructs with barbecue stall.
There are substantial changes with the development in cafe but the noticeable change occur in outdoor seating. In outdoor seating spot there are also the addition in barbecue stall. The bin are converted into recycling bins and in opposite to recycling bins there is salad bar are constructs. The slight change in area of staff dining rooms is that it convert into take away point and also there is a coffee bar next to it. Before, the refurbish in kitchen area there are a serving area when all the food and drinks were served but now it become the part of hot meals. So after these individuals
additions the cafe now have more facilities then when it is not redesigned
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the redesign, such as the outdoor seating, barbecue stall, and the conversion of the staff room. However, the description is somewhat disjointed and lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant changes. The information is presented in a list-like fashion rather than a cohesive report. While the key changes are identified, the lack of a clear structure and the repetitive nature of the descriptions limit the development of the response. To improve, ensure you provide a clear introductory overview and group related features logically to better highlight the transformation of the cafe.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into short, somewhat disconnected paragraphs. While there is an attempt at logical progression, the flow is hindered by repetitive phrasing and a lack of varied cohesive devices. For example, the phrase 'in outdoor seating spot' is repeated, and transitions between ideas are often mechanical or missing. The use of referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial changes described. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider range of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus, avoiding unnecessary repetition of information.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward word choices and grammatical inaccuracies in word forms, such as 'reconstructs' instead of 'reconstruction' and 'refurbish' used as a noun. The range of vocabulary is limited, relying heavily on simple descriptors like 'change' and 'spot'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise terminology related to spatial changes, such as 'relocated', 'expanded', 'transformed', or 'integrated'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help make your writing more professional and descriptive.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of reading. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'bin are converted', 'salad bar are constructs') and tense usage (e.g., 'when it is not reconstructs'). The sentence structures are predominantly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on consistent verb tenses and ensuring subject-verb agreement will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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