Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The drawings illustrate a college cafe before it was redesigned and how it looks now.
In over all design major changes were introduced . In front of kitchen there was serving area for all foods and drink which was converted into hot meal area where as staff dining rooms were replaced with take away food counter and coffee bar. New salad bar is also introduce for health conscious students and bin area changed to recycling bins for segregation of the waste material as per to scientific and environment friendly guidelines. In canteen tables and chairs are at same place where as toilets facilities also remains at same place as per previous design.
Introduction of new Barbeque counter outside the canteen with outdoor seating facilities add more eating option for students. Certain new facilities and changes convert collage canteen in more happening place for collage students .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the redesign, such as the conversion of the serving area and the addition of the outdoor seating. However, the response falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement, which negatively impacts the score. While the key changes are identified, the description lacks sufficient detail and comparative analysis to fully develop the response. The overview is somewhat weak, and the failure to meet the length requirement means the task is only partially addressed. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive summary of all changes and ensure the word count is met to allow for full development of the information provided in the diagrams.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into three short paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited; for example, phrases like 'In over all design' and 'as per to' are used awkwardly. Paragraphing is present but the transition between the description of the interior and the exterior is abrupt. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect sentences and ideas more fluidly, and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, such as one for the interior changes and one for the exterior additions.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'happening place' and 'scientific and environment friendly guidelines', which are not ideal for an academic report. Some words are misused or misspelled, such as 'collage' instead of 'college'. The range of vocabulary is limited, relying on basic descriptors. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure accurate spelling. Avoid informal expressions and ensure that technical terms are used correctly in the context of the diagram.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include missing articles ('In front of kitchen', 'New salad bar is also introduce'), incorrect verb forms ('remains' instead of 'remained'), and punctuation errors. These errors are noticeable and occasionally distract the reader, though they do not completely impede communication. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and consistent tense usage when describing past and present states. Proofreading for basic grammatical slips will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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