Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-09
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 compares a college cafe before it was redesigned and how it look now.
Overall, cafe design have changed dramatically with lots of new amenities, better waste management system and outdoor seating space.
There are two of new counters set up with did not existed in previous cafe like the coffee bar, salad bar and take away food counter. Tables and chair are located in the same place as prior, but new outdoor space is created for sitting and doing barbecue. The toilet is also located in same place but the bin next to it has been upgraded to recycle bin. helathier food option are also available like salad bar and college cafe have also started providing hot meals for the student. The staff dinning rooms have been replace with take away food and coffee bar. Kitchen reamins in the same place, but the food are available in different parts as well.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the redesign, such as the new counters and the outdoor seating area. However, the overview is somewhat simplistic and lacks a clear, analytical summary of the most significant changes. While the task is addressed, the description of the layout changes is occasionally confusing, such as the claim that the kitchen remains in the same place while simultaneously noting that food is available in different parts. To improve, ensure that the comparison between the 'before' and 'after' states is more structured and precise, focusing on the most prominent spatial transformations rather than listing every minor detail.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into a brief introduction and a body paragraph. However, the lack of clear paragraphing makes the text feel like a single, dense block of information. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often mechanical or repetitive (e.g., 'The toilet is also located in same place'). The progression of ideas is sometimes disjointed, particularly when moving between the description of the counters and the facilities. To achieve a higher band, use more varied linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus, such as one for structural changes and another for functional additions.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and range required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word-choice errors, such as 'staff dinning rooms have been replace' (should be 'replaced') and 'helathier food option' (spelling error). The use of vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, relying on basic descriptors. To improve, incorporate more specific terminology related to architectural changes, such as 'relocated,' 'converted,' 'expanded,' or 'integrated,' and ensure consistent attention to spelling and word forms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of reading. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('cafe design have changed', 'The plans compares'), missing articles ('in same place'), and incorrect verb tenses ('did not existed'). While the student attempts to use a mix of simple and complex structures, the accuracy is inconsistent. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Proofreading for common errors like pluralisation and verb forms will significantly enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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