Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The maps illustrate the transformations in the layout of a college cafe over the period.
Overall, the cafe underwent significant development. The southern side of cafe experienced major changes, a barbecue area and outdoor seating was constructed. While the staff dining rooms were converted into take away food and coffee bar.
Starting with kitchen which was located in north-western side of the cafe, whereas the serving area and entrance from dining area was in front of kitchen. Furthermore, two entrances to dining area were located in the east side of the cafe close to bin and toilets. In addition, staff dining rooms were in front of main entrance to dining area and beside to the kitchen building.
Both kitchen and entrance to it remained unchanged, while serving area replaced with hot meals. Similarly, staff dining rooms were converted into take away food and coffee bar. Although, tables and chairs area experienced minimal changes, a new salad bar and two new entrance gates were constructed on the western and southern side of the cafe respectively. Followed by new facilities such as barbecue area and outdoor seating were constructed on the western side of the cafe for public.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the cafe redesign, including the conversion of the staff dining area and the addition of the barbecue and outdoor seating. However, the description of the layout is sometimes confusing, particularly regarding the locations of the kitchen and serving areas. While the main changes are identified, the comparison between the 'before' and 'after' states could be more precise. The overview is present but lacks a clear summary of the most significant spatial shifts. To improve, ensure that the spatial relationships (e.g., north-western vs. southern) are described with greater clarity to help the reader visualize the changes effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression from the overview to specific details. Cohesive devices such as 'Starting with', 'Furthermore', and 'Similarly' are used to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the sentence 'Both kitchen and entrance to it remained unchanged, while serving area replaced with hot meals.' The use of 'Although' at the start of the final paragraph is also grammatically and logically awkward in this context. Improving the flow between sentences would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'transformations', 'converted', and 'minimal changes' used correctly. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'beside to the kitchen' (should be 'beside the kitchen') and 'serving area replaced with hot meals' (the area was replaced by a hot meal counter). The range is sufficient to convey the main points, but more precise descriptive language regarding the layout would elevate the score. Avoid repetitive phrasing and focus on using more specific spatial vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, including missing articles ('the' kitchen, 'the' serving area) and issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'a barbecue area and outdoor seating was constructed' (should be 'were constructed'). Additionally, the sentence 'Followed by new facilities such as barbecue area and outdoor seating were constructed' is a sentence fragment and grammatically incorrect. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall accuracy of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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