Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-18

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 provided maps illustrate the layout of a college café before and after its recent redesign.

Overall, the café has undergone a substantial modernization, featuring a significantly expanded seating capacity, a relocated service counter, and the addition of brand-new recreational facilities for students.

Looking at the original layout, the entrance was situated on the southern wall, leading directly into a small, central service counter. Tables and chairs were neatly arranged in rows on the eastern side of the room, while a compact kitchen and storage area occupied the western section. The overall atmosphere appeared traditional and somewhat cramped, with limited space for social interaction.

In contrast, the redesigned layout reveals major structural alterations. The old entrance has been widened, and the central counter was removed and replaced by a much larger, modern service bar shifted toward the west. The previous kitchen space has been converted into an expanded indoor dining area furnished with comfortable lounge seating. Furthermore, a brand-new outdoor terrace with patio tables has been established on the eastern exterior, replacing what was previously open space, while the restroom facilities remain unchanged in the northwest corner.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively summarizes the main features of the café redesign. You have successfully identified key changes, such as the relocation of the service counter, the expansion of seating, and the addition of the outdoor terrace. The overview is clear and highlights the most significant transformations, which is essential for a high band score. The comparison between the 'before' and 'after' states is logical and well-structured. You have covered all parts of the task well, providing a clear and accurate summary of the provided visual information without unnecessary detail.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that contrast the original and redesigned layouts. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Looking at the original layout' helps guide the reader through the information smoothly. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the description of the original state from the changes made. The progression of ideas is logical, moving from the general layout to specific structural alterations, which makes the information easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and changes. Phrases like 'substantial modernization,' 'structural alterations,' and 'relocated service counter' show a high level of precision. The vocabulary is natural and fits the context of the task well. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sufficiently varied to describe the spatial changes accurately. You have successfully used topic-specific vocabulary to convey the information clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice constructions, which are appropriate for this type of task. The sentences are generally error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. There are no grammatical slips that impede communication. The use of varied sentence beginnings and structures contributes to the overall fluency of the response. The accuracy is high, and the grammatical control is consistent throughout the text.

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

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