Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

Writing

Task 1

The maps depicts about the college cafe before and after the renovation.

Overall, after renovation the te in kitchen hot meals there a specific corner for hot meals, and they converted staff dining rooms into take away food and coffee bar corner. Therefore, recycling bins are added, there's new salad bar as well as a barbecue area.

Before renovation, in top west corner there was a kitchen and there was an area for serving all foods and drinks which was converted into only hot meals spot. Moreover, staff dining rooms were converted into take away food and coffee area. In ply bins were at very small place which was expanded and recycling bins were placed. Whereas toilets remained at same place without any chances.

Moreover, there was one new spot opened named salad bar at the west side of the location. Furthermore, the barbecue is made at the south side with outdoor seating sitting facilitis.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the cafe renovation, including the addition of the salad bar, barbecue area, and the conversion of the staff dining area. However, the description is somewhat disjointed and lacks a clear, professional summary of the overall changes. While the key features are identified, the reporting of the 'before' and 'after' states is occasionally confusing, particularly in the second paragraph where the phrasing is awkward. To improve, ensure that the overview clearly highlights the most significant transformations rather than listing them in a fragmented manner. The response addresses the prompt but lacks the precision required for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the flow of information is often hindered by awkward phrasing and mechanical use of cohesive devices. For example, the transition 'In ply bins were at very small place' is unclear and grammatically broken, making it difficult to follow the logic. Referencing is sometimes imprecise, and the connection between sentences feels forced rather than natural. To improve, focus on using transition words more accurately and ensuring that each sentence logically follows the previous one to create a smoother progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally limited and repetitive. There are several instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'te in kitchen' (likely a typo for 'the') and 'sitting facilitis' (spelling error). The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey basic information, but it lacks the flexibility and precision needed for higher bands. Phrases like 'very small place' and 'at the west side' are quite basic. To improve, try to incorporate more descriptive and precise terminology related to spatial changes, such as 'relocated', 'transformed', 'expanded', or 'integrated'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with article usage ('the maps depicts'), subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure ('there a specific corner for hot meals'). The attempt at complex sentences is often faulty, leading to confusion. For instance, 'In ply bins were at very small place which was expanded and recycling bins were placed' is structurally weak. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and proofreading for common errors like missing verbs, incorrect prepositions, and spelling mistakes.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.