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 following map displays information about a college cafe and also the key differences when it has been renovated.
Overall, the cafe is in rectangular shape in which there is an extended square type area on its back(attached with kitchen) . The main area has many side changes like the given space for the staff dining rooms has been converted into coffee bar and also for taking away food. The bin has now been changed into recycling bins.
Moreover, there is a new salad bar area on the left corner side of the cafeteria. Also there is an outside seating introduced with a barbecue spot for the people. Although , there have not been much changes in the center of the cafe like tables and chairs spots are the same but there are some considerable conversions . The serving area for all types of food and drinks have now been a permanent spot for hot meals .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses the task by identifying the main features of the cafe before and after the redesign. However, the overview is somewhat weak; it focuses on the shape of the building rather than the significant changes in layout and function. While the response covers key areas like the coffee bar, salad bar, and outside seating, the description lacks precision. For instance, the mention of 'considerable conversions' in the center is vague, and the report would benefit from a more structured comparison between the two plans. To improve, ensure the overview highlights the most striking transformations, such as the shift from a simple dining area to a more diverse, multi-functional space.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Although', and 'Overall' provides a basic structure. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical. For example, the transition between the description of the bins and the salad bar feels abrupt. Additionally, some referencing is slightly unclear, such as the phrase 'the given space for the staff dining rooms', which could be expressed more naturally. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the overall coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe the changes clearly. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, such as 'renovated' and 'conversions'. However, there are instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'rectangular shape in which there is an extended square type area' and 'tables and chairs spots'. These choices are slightly unnatural. To reach a higher band, the student should focus on more precise collocations related to describing maps and plans, such as 'relocated', 'expanded', or 'replaced', rather than relying on general terms like 'changed' or 'conversions'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. For example, 'the cafe is in rectangular shape' should be 'the cafe is rectangular in shape', and 'there have not been much changes' should be 'there have not been many changes'. Additionally, there is a punctuation error with the space before the comma in 'Although ,'. The student demonstrates a basic control of grammar, but the frequency of these minor errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage would be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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