Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The map illustrates the changes made to a university café following its recent renovation. Overall, the layout has been modernized to accommodate more seating and a wider variety of dining options, with several dedicated food stations replacing the older, simpler setup. In the original design, the central space was dominated by a large dining area filled with tables and chairs. The northern section contained two private dining rooms for staff, while the kitchen and a combined food and drinks counter were situated in the north-west corner. Toilets were located in the south-east corner, directly opposite a single waste bin. Following the reconstruction, the overall seating area has been expanded, and an outdoor dining area featuring a barbecue corner has been introduced. The former staff dining rooms have been replaced by a takeaway food counter and a coffee bar along the northern wall. In addition, the original counter and kitchen area have been reconfigured into a dedicated hot meals section with a kitchen positioned behind it. Finally, the single waste bin has been upgraded to a set of recycling bins on the western side, while a new salad bar has been installed directly opposite.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the changes and successfully identified the key features of both the original and redesigned cafe. The comparison between the two layouts is logical and well-supported by specific details, such as the transformation of the staff rooms into a takeaway counter and the addition of the outdoor dining area. The information is accurate and covers all significant modifications, demonstrating a strong ability to select and report relevant data from the visual input. No key features were omitted, and the summary is balanced and comprehensive.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized and follows a logical progression. You start with a clear overview and then move systematically through the changes, using appropriate transition words like 'In the original design', 'Following the reconstruction', and 'Finally'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction/overview from the detailed description of the changes. Cohesive devices are used naturally, and the flow of information is smooth, making the report easy to follow. Each sentence contributes to the overall clarity of the description without any unnecessary repetition or confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and layouts. Phrases such as 'accommodate more seating', 'dedicated food stations', 'reconfigured', and 'upgraded' are used accurately and in the correct context. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to the professional tone of the report. While the range is sufficient and effective, there is room to incorporate even more sophisticated or varied synonyms to reach the highest band, but the current usage is already quite strong and natural throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing is highly accurate, with a variety of complex sentence structures used correctly. You effectively employ passive voice constructions, such as 'was dominated by' and 'have been replaced by', which are ideal for describing processes and changes in a formal report. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense and aspect is consistent, reflecting the changes from the past to the present state of the cafe. The majority of sentences are error-free.

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