Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The maps illustrate the changes made to the layout of a college café before and after its redesign.

Overall, the café underwent significant changes, including the addition of a barbecue area, a salad bar and outdoor seating. In addition, the staff dining rooms were replaced by a takeaway food area and a coffee bar, while the kitchen remained unchanged.

Before the redesign, the kitchen was located in the north-western part of the café, with a serving area situated directly in front of it. Two staff dining rooms were positioned to the right of the kitchen and in front of the main dining area. The main area contained tables and chairs, while two entrances were located on the eastern side, close to the bin and toilets.

After the redesign, the kitchen and its entrance remained unchanged, while the serving area was replaced by an area for hot meals. The two staff dining rooms were converted into a takeaway food area and a coffee bar. The main tables and chairs area remained largely unchanged, but a salad bar was added on the western side. In addition, a barbecue area was constructed in the south-western corner, and outdoor seating was introduced along the southern side of the café.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have provided a clear and accurate summary of the main features shown in the diagrams. You successfully identified the key changes, such as the conversion of the staff dining rooms and the addition of the barbecue area and outdoor seating. The overview is well-constructed, highlighting the most significant transformations. You have made effective comparisons between the 'before' and 'after' states, ensuring all parts of the prompt are addressed. The information is logically selected and presented, providing a comprehensive overview of the redesign without unnecessary detail. This meets the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that detail the layout before and after the changes. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. You have used a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'while', and 'before the redesign', which help to link sentences and paragraphs naturally. The paragraphing is appropriate, and each section serves a distinct purpose in the overall structure of the report. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and spatial changes. Phrases such as 'underwent significant changes', 'converted into', and 'introduced along the southern side' are used accurately and naturally. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to the clarity of the report. While the range is sufficient for the task, incorporating a few more sophisticated or varied synonyms for 'changed' or 'added' could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong, and there are no errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your writing displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses, such as 'Before the redesign, the kitchen was located in the north-western part of the café, with a serving area situated directly in front of it.' The control over tense and punctuation is excellent, and there are virtually no errors in the text. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the use of passive voice where appropriate for describing the layout is well-handled. This reflects a high level of grammatical competence.

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