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
| 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 covers the main features of the cafe redesign, including the new outdoor area and the changes to the serving and dining zones. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While you mention 'new facilities', the summary could be more specific regarding the overall transformation of the space. Some details, such as the 'dining rooms for staff' being replaced by a 'coffee bar', are identified, but the report would benefit from a more cohesive synthesis of the changes rather than a simple list of modifications. The response addresses the prompt adequately but lacks the depth required for a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the description. You use some cohesive devices like 'To commence with', 'Secondly', and 'In addition' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly forced or repetitive. The referencing is occasionally unclear; for example, 'the comparison of both the maps is done here' is an unnecessary meta-commentary that does not contribute to the flow of the report. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the changes clearly. You use terms like 'refurbishment', 'reconstruction', and 'relocated' appropriately. However, there is a reliance on basic phrasing, such as 'is as it is' and 'remain same', which limits the sophistication of the response. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise collocations and a wider range of vocabulary related to spatial descriptions and architectural changes. Some word choices, such as 'the comparison... is done here', are slightly unnatural in this context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical inaccuracies. For instance, 'which is now relocated by hot meals' is an awkward construction; 'replaced by' would be more accurate. Additionally, 'the table and chairs are as it is' contains a subject-verb agreement error ('are' vs 'is'). There are also minor issues with preposition usage and article placement. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.