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 were replaced by a takeaway and coffee bar. Moreover, outdoor seating was arranged outside of the cafe.
An analysis of the image reveals that, the north side of cafe included a kitchen, and it remained unchanged after the refurbishment. However, before refurbishment the serving area, which commonly included all types of food and drinks was converted into hot meals. Furthermore, at the center of the cafe, staff dining rooms were replaced by a 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 remodification. Also, the space for recycle bins was extended, before there was 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 barbecue.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| 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 highlighted key changes, such as the addition of the takeaway counter, coffee bar, and outdoor seating, while noting what remained unchanged. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the transformation. However, to reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise. For instance, you mention the serving area was converted into 'hot meals', but the plan indicates it became a 'hot food counter'. Additionally, ensure the spatial descriptions are accurate; for example, the salad bar is in the southwest, not the northwest. Overall, the task is well-addressed with a clear focus on the significant changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group information by location or type of change. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'However' helps guide the reader through the text. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary the sentence starters and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'the image') is used consistently to maintain the connection between the text and the visual data provided.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'refurbishment', 'amenities', 'converted', and 'remodification'. These terms are appropriate for an academic task. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'remodification', which is less standard than 'remodeling' or 'redesign'. Additionally, the phrase 'commonly included all types of food' is slightly imprecise in this context. To achieve a higher score, aim for more precise collocations and ensure that technical terms related to floor plans are used accurately. Overall, the vocabulary is adequate to convey the intended meaning clearly.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used passive voice effectively, which is appropriate for describing processes or changes (e.g., 'staff dining rooms were replaced'). There are some minor grammatical errors, such as the unnecessary comma after 'reveals that,' and the awkward phrasing in 'before there was only a small bin'. While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more careful proofreading. To improve, focus on punctuation rules regarding subordinate clauses and ensure subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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