Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-16

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 map depicts the layout of a college cafe and compares the change of it after renovation.

Overall, there are many changes that took place within the cafe, but the most significant change happened outside with a sitting area and a barbecue stall.

Before the layout of the cafe was redesigned, it had fewer rooms. From the north to the south, the one that sat in the northwest of the cafe contained a kitchen and a serving area where provided all food and drink to visitors. To the south of it, there was a large open area for tables and chairs, with two staff dining rooms that were placed in the north. Additionally, the bathroom was put in the south-eastern corner. A bin was placed between the entrance and the bathroom.

However, these days, with the kitchen area remaining unchanged, the serving area only provides visitors with hot meals. To the south of it, a salad bar has been added. The rooms that used to be used for dining now become one room for take away food and the other one for coffee. The bin was replaced by several recycling bins. In addition to these changes, a door next to the washroom was built. Through it, guests can go to the outdoor area, where they can buy barbecue and sit.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers the main features of the cafe renovation. You have successfully identified the key changes, such as the addition of the salad bar, the conversion of dining rooms into specific service areas, and the new outdoor barbecue facility. The overview is clear and highlights the most significant developments. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise; for instance, you mention the kitchen remains unchanged, but a more detailed comparison of the spatial shifts would strengthen the response. Overall, the task is well-addressed with a clear focus on the relevant information provided in the diagrams.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow a spatial progression. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Before', 'However', 'To the south of it', and 'In addition to these changes' helps guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the 'before' and 'after' states. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'renovation', 'layout', 'significant', and 'provided'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'the one that sat in the northwest' (which is slightly awkward) and 'where provided all food' (grammatical error). To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to describing maps or plans, such as 'undergone a transformation' or 'situated in the vicinity of'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning clearly, but lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'the change of it after renovation' (should be 'changes to it'), 'where provided all food' (missing subject), and 'the rooms that used to be used for dining now become' (tense inconsistency). While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. To achieve a higher score, focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage when describing past and present states. Increasing the variety of complex structures would also be beneficial.

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

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