Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-08

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 6.5)

The given plans illustrate the layout of a college cafe before and after its redesign. Overall, several changes have been made in the structure of the cafe, which gave it a more attractive and fascinating outlook.

The layout of the cafe before redesigning was quite simple, with two staff dining rooms in front of the entrance facing towards north and tables and chairs in the middle of the shop. In addition, there was a serving area at the north-west corner where all foods and drinks were served and a kitchen behind that. There were toilets in the west-east corner with a bin in front.

In the new design, there have been several attractive transformations in the cafe. The staff dining rooms have been replaced with coffee bars and take away food points. Moreover, the serving area is converted into a hot meals area with a kitchen at the same place. Alongside, a salad bar is introduced at the west side and an entrance to the outdoor serving area. There is a barbecue place on the west side with different seating.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers the main features of the cafe redesign well. You have successfully identified the key structural changes, such as the replacement of the staff dining rooms and the addition of the outdoor serving area. However, the description of the layout is slightly imprecise in places, such as the reference to the 'west-east corner' for toilets, which is geographically confusing. To reach a higher band, ensure that spatial descriptions are accurate and consistent with the provided visual data. Overall, you have provided a clear summary of the transformation, meeting the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with an introduction followed by a description of the 'before' and 'after' states. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'Alongside' helps to guide the reader through the changes. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the progression of ideas could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, though the spatial orientation could be more precise to improve the flow of information. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'transformations', 'converted', and 'introduced'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'attractive and fascinating outlook', which is slightly unnatural in this context. Additionally, 'west-east corner' is an imprecise way to describe a location. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations related to architectural or spatial descriptions. The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and error-free, though there are occasional slips, such as 'in the structure of the cafe, which gave it' (should be 'has given it' or 'gives it') and 'at the same place' (should be 'in the same location'). Punctuation is generally accurate. While you have attempted some complex structures, increasing the variety of your grammatical forms would help demonstrate greater control. The errors present do not impede communication.

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

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