Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-15

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 plans illustrate how a college canteen looked before and after its redesign.

Overall, the cafe underwent a massive transformation after the redesign. Outdoor seating was adopted to accommodate more people. Furthermore, sections for food and drink were also separated in the new design.

Before the redesign, all food and drink were served in the same area. Seating options were also limited to indoor seating, and dining rooms designated only for staff were also available in the cafe. Moreover, a small recycling bin was provided next to the toilet for waste collection.

After the redesign, an outdoor area was also made available to accommodate more guests. Similarly, food and drink were served in different areas of the cafe. The dining rooms provided for staff were transformed into a coffee bar and food takeaway room. In contrast to the previous plan, a larger recycling bin was added for more waste collection. Additionally, sections for a salad bar and a barbecue place were also included in the new plan.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all key features of the cafe redesign. You have identified the main changes, such as the introduction of outdoor seating, the separation of food and drink areas, and the addition of specific facilities like the salad bar and barbecue place. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the transformation. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the location of these new features (e.g., 'the north-west corner') to provide a more precise spatial description, as this is crucial for a 'Task 1' report. Overall, the information is well-selected and accurately reported.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that contrast the 'before' and 'after' states. You use cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'In contrast to', and 'Additionally' to link ideas effectively. The progression of information is easy to follow. To improve, try to vary your cohesive devices further, as some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Ensure that each paragraph focuses on a distinct theme to enhance the flow. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'massive transformation', 'accommodate', 'designated', and 'transformed'. The vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate for the context of a report. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To move into the higher bands, try to incorporate more precise descriptive language related to layout and design, such as 'relocated', 'partitioned', or 'integrated', rather than relying on more general verbs. Your current range is adequate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use passive voice appropriately ('were served', 'were included'), which is essential for this type of academic writing. The grammar is generally accurate, and there are no major errors that cause confusion. A few minor improvements in sentence variety could elevate the score; for instance, you could use more complex noun phrases or relative clauses to combine information. Overall, your control of grammar is solid, and the writing is clear and easy to read.

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

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