Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · 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.

The plans below show a college cafe before it was redesigned and how it looks now.

Student answer (Band 4.5)

The given maps illustrate a college cafe Previous it was revamp and how it gaze now .

Overall , Kitchen was at same location yet tables and chairs was also at same site . There were not many animates in cafe when it was restructure while comparing today it have much equipment .

Serving area such as food and cold drink were replaced in hot meal . Staff dinning room was displaced at coffee bar and food center . Outdoor seating is also arranged at present cafe . Bins were recycled , salad bar is also be in today cafe , toilet are at the same location . Barbecue is also suited in restaurant. There are five seating benches where customer can easily enjoy their meals .

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response4.0
Coherence and Cohesion5.0
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy4.5
Overall4.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully address the task. While you have attempted to describe the changes, the summary is underdeveloped and lacks a clear overview of the most significant transformations. The description of the layout is fragmented, and some details are inaccurate or confusing, such as the mention of a 'barbecue' which is not clearly identifiable in standard cafe plans. To improve, ensure you provide a clear, concise overview of the main trends and support your description with accurate, specific details from the diagrams.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is divided into short paragraphs, but the logical flow between ideas is weak. The use of cohesive devices is minimal and often mechanical, making the text feel like a list of observations rather than a cohesive report. For example, the transition between the kitchen description and the seating area is abrupt. To improve, use linking words such as 'furthermore', 'in contrast', or 'subsequently' to connect your sentences and paragraphs more fluidly. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, such as one for structural changes and another for equipment or seating additions.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive, with several instances of incorrect word choice that impede clarity. For example, 'Previous it was revamp' is grammatically and lexically incorrect; 'revamped' or 'renovated' would be appropriate. The phrase 'not many animates' is unclear and likely a misuse of vocabulary. There is a lack of precise terminology to describe the changes in a layout, such as 'relocated', 'expanded', or 'installed'. You should focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary related to describing maps and changes, such as 'demolished', 'converted', and 'extended'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that often obscure meaning. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'tables and chairs was', 'toilet are') and tense usage (e.g., 'Previous it was revamp'). Sentence structures are simple and often fragmented, lacking the complexity required for higher bands. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage when describing past and present states. Practice constructing more complex sentences using relative clauses or passive voice, which are essential for describing changes in a formal report.

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

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