Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-06
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 cafe in a college before and after its refurbishment.
Overall, the cafe underwent many significant changes after it was redesigned. Many basic amenities were added such as a Salad bar and a Barbecue. In addition, staff dining rooms are replaced by takeaway and coffee bar. Moreover, outdoor seating was arranged outside of the cafe.
An analysis of the image reveals that the north side of the cafe included a kitchen, and it remained unchanged even before its refurbishment. However, before refurbishment the serving area, which commonly includes all types of food and drinks was replaced by hot meals. Furthermore, at the center of the cafe, staff dining rooms were replaced by takeaway food counter and a coffee bar.
From the image it is evident that the northwest of the cafe included a salad bar after its refurbishment. Also, the space for recycle bins was extended, whereas there is only a small bin in the cafe. Toilets remained unchanged. Another important change made to the cafe was outdoor seating with more tables and chairs along with a 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 successfully identifies the main features of the cafe redesign. You have provided a clear overview and highlighted key changes such as the addition of the salad bar, barbecue, and the reconfiguration of the dining areas. However, the description of the 'before' state is slightly inaccurate; for instance, you mention the serving area was replaced by 'hot meals', but the plan indicates the serving area was replaced by a 'takeaway' and 'coffee bar' area. Additionally, the statement that the kitchen remained unchanged is correct, but the analysis of the 'northwest' area is a bit confusing as the salad bar is located in the northeast. To improve, ensure your spatial descriptions are precise and directly supported by the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the progression of ideas could be smoother. For example, the shift between the second and third body paragraphs is abrupt. The use of referencing is generally clear, though some sentences, such as 'whereas there is only a small bin in the cafe', lack a clear connection to the previous point about the extended recycle bins. Improving the flow between sentences would elevate the coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'refurbishment', 'amenities', and 'reconfigured'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'staff dining rooms are replaced by takeaway and coffee bar' (should be 'a takeaway and a coffee bar'). While you successfully describe the changes, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to describing visual data, such as 'transformed into', 'relocated', or 'expanded to accommodate'. Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning without difficulty.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, particularly with articles and pluralization, such as 'staff dining rooms are replaced by takeaway and coffee bar' (missing articles) and 'the northwest of the cafe included a salad bar' (should be 'the northwest area of the cafe featured'). Tense usage is generally consistent when describing the changes. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of definite/indefinite articles will help improve your accuracy.
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.