Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-14

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 7.5)

The map illustrates the changes made to a university café following its recent renovation.

Overall, the layout has been modernized to accommodate more seating and a wider variety of dining options, with several dedicated food stations replacing the older, simpler setup.

In the original design, the central space was dominated by a large dining area filled with tables and chairs. The northern section contained two private dining rooms for staff, while the kitchen and a combined food and drinks counter were situated in the north-west corner. Toilets were located in the south-east corner, directly opposite a single dustbin.

Following the reconstruction, the overall seating area has been expanded, and an outdoor dining area featuring a barbecue corner has been introduced. The former staff dining rooms have been replaced by a takeaway food counter and a coffee bar along the northern wall. In addition, the original counter and kitchen area have been reconfigured into a dedicated hot meals section with a kitchen positioned behind it. Finally, the single dustbin has been upgraded to a set of recycling bins on the western side, while a new salad bar has been installed directly opposite

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses the task by providing a clear overview and highlighting the key changes between the two plans. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the expansion of the seating area, the introduction of new food stations, and the reconfiguration of the kitchen. The comparison between the 'original' and 'reconstructed' layouts is logical and easy to follow. You have covered all significant areas of the map, including the addition of the outdoor dining space and the recycling facilities. The information is well-selected, and the summary provides a clear picture of the transformation without unnecessary detail, meeting the requirements for a high-band response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You use an effective introduction, a summary paragraph, and two body paragraphs that clearly contrast the 'before' and 'after' states. Cohesive devices such as 'In the original design', 'Following the reconstruction', 'In addition', and 'Finally' are used naturally to guide the reader through the changes. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial state from the renovated state, which enhances the readability of the report. The flow of information is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and processes. Phrases such as 'dominated by', 'reconfigured into', and 'dedicated hot meals section' show a level of precision and flexibility. The use of terminology is accurate, and there is a clear attempt to use varied language to describe the spatial changes. While the vocabulary is effective and natural, it occasionally relies on standard descriptive terms. To reach the highest band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or nuanced descriptive verbs to further elevate the sophistication of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'The map illustrates the changes made to a university café following its recent renovation' and 'The former staff dining rooms have been replaced by a takeaway food counter and a coffee bar along the northern wall.' The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly. There is a good mix of passive and active voice, which is particularly suitable for describing changes in a layout. The accuracy is consistent throughout the response.

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