Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The plans compare the layout of a college café before its redesign with its current arrangement.

Overall, the café has been modernised to provide a wider range of food and drink options as well as more facilities for customers. The staff dining rooms have been removed and replaced with new service areas, while outdoor seating has also been added. However, the kitchen and toilets have remained in the same locations.

Before the renovation, all food and drinks were served from a single serving area located in front of the kitchen. There were two staff dining rooms on the right-hand side of the café, while the majority of the floor space was occupied by tables and chairs. In addition, a bin was positioned beside the entrance near the toilets.

Following the redesign, the serving area has been replaced by a hot meals counter connected to the kitchen. Three new sections have been introduced in the customer area: a salad bar on the left, a take-away food counter in the centre, and a coffee bar to its right. The former staff dining rooms have been removed to make space for these facilities. Furthermore, the original bin has been replaced with recycling bins, reflecting a greater emphasis on environmental awareness. Finally, a barbecue area and several outdoor tables have been added outside the café, significantly increasing the available seating capacity for customers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all key features of the café redesign, including the removal of staff rooms, the addition of new food counters, and the expansion of outdoor seating. The overview clearly highlights the main trends, such as the modernization and the shift in service layout. You have made effective comparisons between the 'before' and 'after' states, ensuring the reader can easily visualize the changes. The information is well-selected and logically grouped, fully satisfying the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction/overview, the 'before' state, and the 'after' state. You use cohesive devices such as 'Following the redesign', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore' effectively to guide the reader through the changes. The paragraphing is skillful, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow is natural and professional, making the information very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for describing diagrams. Phrases such as 'modernised', 'occupied by', 'reflecting a greater emphasis', and 'significantly increasing' show a high level of control. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also varied, avoiding unnecessary repetition. You use specific terminology related to the layout (e.g., 'serving area', 'take-away food counter') with confidence. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The grammar is highly accurate with a wide range of structures used. You effectively employ passive voice ('have been removed', 'has been replaced') to describe the changes, which is appropriate for this type of task. Complex sentences are used throughout with no errors in punctuation or syntax. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses (present perfect for changes, past simple for the original layout) is consistent and correct.

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