Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-20

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 TWO BLUPRINTS OF COLLEGE CAFE INDICATE THE BEFORE AND AFTER REDESIGNED IT. THERE ARE SEVERAL CHANGES IN IT.

AT FIRST, IT IS CLEARLY SEEN THAT KITCHEN AND TOILETS ARE AS IT IS IN BOTH LAYOUTS. MOROVER, IN OLDER PLAN THERE WAS A SPACE FOR SERVING AREA WHICH IS CHANGED AND IT BECOMES HOT MEALS. PREVIOUS LAYOUT HAD NO SPACE FOR TAKE AWAY FOODS AND COFFEE BAR. IT HAD ONLY PROVIDED STAFF DINING ROOMS. FUERTHERMORE, GARBAGE WAS VERY SMALL AND HAD NO FACILITIES FOR RECYCLING.

IN ADDITION, THERE IS A SPECIAL SECTION INTRODUCED FOR DEITITION NAMED SALAD BAR. OUTER SIDE OF THE CAFE NOT ONLY CREATES OUTER SEATING BUT ALSO BARBECUE TOO. SO, THE CAPACITY OF SEATING AREA IS MORE IN NEW LAYOUT THAN OLD ONE.

TO CONCLUDE, THE FIRST PLAN IS VERY SIMPLE AND DO NOT COMSUMMED SPACE PROPERLY. ON THE OTHER HAND, REDESIGNED PLAN HAS MORE FACILITIES AND USE SPACE IN PROPER MANNER.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response provides a basic overview of the changes, but it lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. While you identify key features like the kitchen, toilets, and the new salad bar, the description of the layout changes is somewhat superficial. You mention that the seating capacity is larger, which is a good observation, but you fail to provide specific details or comparisons regarding the size or placement of these new features. To improve, ensure you group information logically and provide a more comprehensive summary of the spatial transformations rather than just listing individual changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally awkward, such as 'AT FIRST' and 'FUERTHERMORE'. The transition between ideas is sometimes abrupt, and the referencing is not always clear. For instance, the connection between the old layout and the new one could be smoother. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would significantly enhance the flow and logical progression of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. You use words like 'space' and 'layout' frequently. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'DEITITION' (likely meant 'dietary' or 'nutrition') and 'COMSUMMED' (likely meant 'consumed' or 'utilized'). To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to describing diagrams, such as 'relocated', 'expanded', 'transformed', or 'integrated', and ensure your spelling is accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex sentences, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'INDICATE THE BEFORE AND AFTER REDESIGNED IT' (incorrect structure), 'DO NOT COMSUMMED' (subject-verb agreement and tense error), and 'BARBECUE TOO' (incomplete thought). Punctuation is also inconsistent, and the use of all-caps makes the text difficult to read. Focusing on basic sentence construction, correct verb tenses, and subject-verb agreement will help you achieve a more accurate and professional tone.

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

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