Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-13

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)

We have a map which illustrate a college cafe previous look and a new look after redesigned.

Overall, there are many changes there. Before the room which was using as a staff dining room is changed to coffee bar and take away food area. On the below left side above toilets the bin area is also modified to recycling bins. And on the right top of map where was serving area is also transformed into hot meals area.

We also have some modifications. Firstly after redesigned there added a salad bar on the right side of bar. They also added two more openings for outdoor seating. A barbecue was also added on the west side of outdoor seating.

There are total five tables in outdoor seating. Three of them have 6 chairs which is for family and remaining two have four chairs where freinds can enjoy. The newly designed bar offer large place for more customers as compared to old one.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the cafe redesign, such as the conversion of the staff dining room and the addition of the salad bar and barbecue. However, the report lacks a clear overview of the most significant trends, such as the expansion of the seating capacity and the shift toward a more customer-focused layout. Some details, such as the specific number of chairs per table, are overly descriptive and detract from the analytical nature required for Task 1. To improve, focus on grouping related changes (e.g., structural changes vs. equipment additions) and provide a more cohesive summary of the overall transformation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Firstly', 'We also have'). The progression of ideas is occasionally disjointed, particularly in the second paragraph where the transition between the staff room and the bin area feels abrupt. Referencing is sometimes unclear, such as the use of 'on the below left side', which is not standard academic phrasing. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the overall flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. Phrases like 'previous look' and 'new look' are simplistic. There are also some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'large place' instead of 'spacious area' or 'increased capacity'. While the meaning is generally clear, the range of vocabulary is limited, and the student relies on basic descriptors. Incorporating more precise terminology related to spatial changes, such as 'converted', 'relocated', 'expanded', or 'integrated', would significantly improve the lexical quality.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the reader. Examples include 'We have a map which illustrate' (subject-verb agreement), 'room which was using as' (passive voice error), and 'after redesigned there added' (missing subject/tense error). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with commas. While the meaning is usually understandable, the high frequency of basic grammatical slips prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct passive voice construction is essential.

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

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