Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-19

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 7.0)

The maps illustrate a college cafe before redesign and its current appearance.

In the past, there was a kitchen at the top of the building with the serving area in proximity, which served all food and drinks. In the main area, there were only tables and chairs, which were located in the center. Furthermore, above the main area, two staff dining rooms were featured. To its right, a bin stood between the entrance to the cafe at the top and toilets at the bottom.

Currently, a few places have been replaced and some amenities have been added. The serving room has been transformed into an area which provides hot meals. As regards rooms, where staff used to eat have been converted into an area, where people can take away their food and a coffee bar. Moreover, the bin has been modernized into a recycling bin. Adjacent to it, a salad bar has been positioned. An outdoor seating area has been added in the lower part of the cafe including five tables and 26 chairs as well as a new barbeque on the right side. Meanwhile, only the kitchen, tables with chairs in the center of the building, and toilets remain unchanged.

Overall, the cafe has undergone substantial modifications with most areas being replaced with modern amenities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers all key features of the cafe redesign. You have successfully identified the main changes, such as the conversion of the staff dining rooms and the addition of the outdoor seating area. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the transformation. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more explicit; for example, you could contrast the specific layout of the serving area before and after more directly. The inclusion of specific details, such as the number of tables and chairs in the outdoor area, demonstrates a good level of detail and data reporting.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs focusing on past and present, and a concise overview. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In the past', 'Currently', 'Moreover', and 'Meanwhile' helps guide the reader through the changes effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different time frames. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is generally clear, although some minor improvements in the flow between sentences could make the text feel even more natural and cohesive.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and changes, such as 'transformed', 'modernized', 'converted', and 'substantial modifications'. The use of 'in proximity' and 'adjacent to' shows an ability to use precise spatial language. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary is used accurately to convey the intended meaning. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'area' and 'room' to avoid repetition and demonstrate a wider lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are a few minor issues, such as the phrasing 'As regards rooms, where staff used to eat have been converted', which is slightly awkward; a more natural structure would be 'The rooms where staff used to eat have been converted'. Punctuation is generally handled well, and the control over complex structures is sufficient for this level. The errors present are non-systematic and do not impede communication.

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

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