Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-17
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 diagram illustrate the information before redesigning the cafe and how it looks after redesign today.
Initially we can see the structure of tables and chairs and also staff dining room near by them Whereas kitchen is at last corner on left hand side attached with serving area where customers can get their drinks and food while toilet is on right side corner and a bin aside that.
And after redesign the cafe while standing to entrance on left hand side recycling bin and aside that on right corner toilet for refreshment and washing hand. Furthermore as we go we can have two chambers for take away our food attached to coffee bar and also tables and chairs on open space as old plan but also they include salad bar .
Kitchen is same as old plan on left corner of plan but redesigning serving area to hit meals and in addition they include barbecue with seating arrangements outside the cafe so that customers can enjoy their food while having view of road
Overall, redesign plan has changed various place and also includes new chambers for customers
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the cafe redesign, including the kitchen, seating, and new additions like the salad bar and barbecue. However, the description is somewhat disorganized and lacks a clear overview of the most significant changes. The reporting of information is occasionally imprecise, such as describing the kitchen as being in the 'last corner' rather than using clear directional language. While the main features are identified, the comparison between the two plans could be more analytical. To improve, ensure you provide a clear summary of the overall transformation in the introduction and use more precise spatial vocabulary to guide the reader through the changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by awkward transitions and run-on sentences. For example, the second paragraph attempts to describe too many features at once without clear signposting. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often mechanical or misused, such as the abrupt start to the final paragraph. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial layout of the cafe. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would significantly enhance the coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'old plan' and 'redesign' are used frequently. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'take away our food' and 'hit meals', which are not natural in this context. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band score. To improve, focus on learning specific vocabulary related to describing diagrams and spatial arrangements, and try to vary your word choices to avoid repetition.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The diagram illustrate'), missing articles, and awkward phrasing (e.g., 'while standing to entrance'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with several run-on sentences that lack necessary commas or conjunctions. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence boundaries and proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement would be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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