Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-12

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 diagrams compare the layout of a college cafe before and after its renovation.

Overall, the cafe has undergone significant changes. Previously the structure was quite simple but now it has included lots of amenities and dedicated dining options for visitors while also expanding its seating arrangement outside.

Before the redesign, there was a huge hall with tables and chairs for students or visitors to enjoy their meal which still exists. Beside that, two dedicated dining rooms for staff were installed. At the top left corner, the kitchen and an adjacent serving counter served all food and drink to students/visitors. Furthermore, at the bottom right corner toilets and a dustbin facility were included.

Following the renovation, its seating capacity has been expanded by constructing a outdoor seating arrangement with a barbecue corner at the bottom left corner. Even though the hall with tables and chairs remains in the same location, a salad bar has been installed in the left. Opposite to that, the dustbin has been upgraded into recycling bins. The kitchen area has not changed but now they serve hot meals at the counter. Additionally, the toilet area remains in the same spot however, the former staff dining room has been replaced with a takeaway food and a coffee bar.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the cafe redesign, including the addition of the outdoor seating, the salad bar, and the conversion of the staff rooms. You provided a clear overview and made relevant comparisons between the two layouts. To reach a higher band, ensure that all spatial descriptions are precise; for example, you mentioned the salad bar was installed 'in the left', which is slightly vague. Additionally, ensure you clearly distinguish between what was removed and what was added to provide a more comprehensive summary of the changes. Overall, the response is well-structured and covers all key areas of the prompt effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological and spatial progression. You use cohesive devices such as 'Before the redesign', 'Following the renovation', and 'Additionally' to guide the reader through the changes. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the 'before' and 'after' states. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases further to avoid a slightly mechanical feel in some transitions. The progression of ideas is clear, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'renovation', 'amenities', 'dedicated', and 'upgraded'. There are some minor issues with collocation, such as 'dustbin facility' (which sounds unnatural; 'waste disposal area' would be better) and 'at the left' (should be 'on the left'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more precise descriptive language related to architectural changes or spatial layout would elevate the score. The spelling is accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Even though the hall... remains in the same location, a salad bar has been installed'. Most sentences are error-free, though there are occasional slips, such as 'now it has included lots of amenities' (which should be 'now it includes' or 'has been equipped with'). Punctuation is generally handled well, though some sentences could benefit from more careful comma placement to improve flow. Overall, your control of grammar is strong enough that errors do not impede communication.

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

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