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)

The given map illustrate the plan of a cafe, that was redesigned and how its present layout looks now.

There are drastic changes happen between the old and the new layout of the cafe. Firstly, the kitchen area remain same the previous plan, however the serving area replaced with hot meals. Secondly, there is salad bar is introduces near the kitchen main door. Moreover, there were two dining rooms for the staff previously , but now they are converted into take away room and coffee bar.

Further more, hall with chairs and tables remain same with the same area of space, but there is change for recycling area, specifically increase the area for that, so place remain hygienic. In the end, new area is introduce in the cafe as barbecue outside the cafe. There are outdoor sitting for that for instance chairs and tables, so staff can enjoy barbecue out side the cafe.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the cafe redesign, including the kitchen, serving area, dining rooms, and the new outdoor barbecue area. However, the report lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant changes, which is a requirement for a high band score in Task 1. While the main features are identified, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a cohesive summary of the overall transformation. To improve, ensure you include an introductory overview that highlights the most prominent changes, such as the shift from staff-only dining to a more customer-focused layout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Moreover', 'Further more'). The transition between ideas is sometimes abrupt, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'so place remain hygienic', which lacks a clear subject. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence flows logically into the next would significantly enhance the coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'map illustrate' (should be 'plans illustrate'), 'kitchen area remain same' (should be 'remains the same'), and 'take away room'. The use of vocabulary is generally functional but does not demonstrate the flexibility or precision required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more descriptive verbs and nouns related to layout changes, such as 'transformed', 'relocated', 'expanded', or 'converted'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of reading. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('kitchen area remain', 'salad bar is introduces'), missing articles ('hall with chairs', 'new area is introduce'), and awkward sentence structures ('there is change for recycling area'). While there is an attempt at complex sentences, they are often marred by these errors. To reach a higher band, focus on basic subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring that verb tenses are consistent when describing changes.

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

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