Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · 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 4.0)

This diagram shows a model where a college cafe's blueprint is shown. Which shows comparison of how a cafe was redesigned before and how it looks now.

If we look at before version, if we enter the cafe there are tables and chairs in front. On left there lays a bin and a toilet area. If we move forward there are two staff dining rooms. And besides it we see a kitchen where there is serving of all foods and drinks.

And for the today's cafe

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 3.0

The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely impacts the task achievement score. Because the text is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence, it fails to provide a summary of the main features or make the necessary comparisons between the two plans. The description provided is limited to only the 'before' state and lacks an overview or any mention of the 'after' state. To improve, you must ensure you cover all parts of the prompt, including a clear overview of the changes, and meet the minimum word count to allow for a full development of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0

The response lacks a clear structure or logical progression. While there is an attempt to use basic sequencing words like 'before' and 'if we move forward', the text is too fragmented to demonstrate effective paragraphing or cohesive devices. The abrupt ending makes it impossible to assess the overall coherence of the report. To improve, you should organize your response into clear paragraphs: an introduction, an overview of the main changes, and two body paragraphs detailing specific features. Use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 4.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive, relying on simple descriptors like 'tables', 'chairs', and 'kitchen'. There is little evidence of the specific vocabulary required to describe architectural changes or spatial relationships, such as 'relocated', 'expanded', or 'partitioned'. The phrasing 'before version' and 'today's cafe' is somewhat unnatural. To improve, focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary related to maps and diagrams, such as 'situated', 'adjacent to', 'transformed', and 'converted'. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and nouns will help you convey information more precisely.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0

The response contains several grammatical errors that hinder clarity, such as 'On left there lays a bin' (should be 'On the left, there is a bin') and 'And besides it we see a kitchen where there is serving of all foods' (awkward phrasing). The sentence structure is simplistic, consisting mostly of basic statements. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, which are necessary for higher band scores. To improve, practice using passive voice for describing changes (e.g., 'the area was converted into...') and ensure subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.