Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-05

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 given plans illustrate a college cafe before refurbishment and after the reconstruction. At a glance, the comparison of both the maps is done here.

Overall, there are some new facilities including outdoor seating and now the cafe is reconstructed in a good way.

To commence with the first change, in the north the kitchen is as it is, but in the front of the kitchen there used to be a serving area for foods and drinks which is now relocated by hot meals. Secondly, on the east wall the salad bar is included and on the opposite wall of it there was a bin which is replaced by a recycling bin.

In addition, the table and chairs are as it is but in the front of it there were dining rooms for staff, which is now taken by take away food and coffee bar. Moreover, the toilets remain same and there is a new outside area where there are arrangements for seating with a brand new barbecue.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the cafe redesign, such as the new outdoor seating, the kitchen, and the relocation of the serving area. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While you mention the main changes, the summary could be more integrated. For instance, describing the layout changes as a 'reconstruction' is vague; it would be better to highlight the shift from a staff-focused dining area to a more customer-oriented space with a coffee bar and takeaway options. The response addresses the prompt, but the analysis of the spatial changes is slightly superficial.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of changes. You use some cohesive devices like 'To commence with', 'Secondly', and 'In addition' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel a bit forced or repetitive. The referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be smoother. For example, the transition between the kitchen area and the salad bar is a bit abrupt. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that the relationship between the old and new layouts is more explicitly stated would enhance the coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have an adequate range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'refurbishment', 'reconstruction', 'relocated', and 'arrangements'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, saying 'the comparison of both the maps is done here' is unnatural, and 'the kitchen is as it is' is repetitive and informal. Using more precise verbs like 'remained unchanged' or 'was converted into' would elevate the quality of your writing. The vocabulary is sufficient for the task but lacks the sophistication required for a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'the salad bar is included' (should be 'was added'), 'the toilets remain same' (should be 'remained the same'), and 'in the front of the kitchen' (should be 'in front of'). Additionally, there are issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will help improve your accuracy.

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

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