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 maps illustrate comparison of college cafe before and after it was redesigned. And how it looks after redevelopment.
Overall, the layout of building stayed same. The kitchen, toilet and tables and chairs area remained unchanged. However, some infrastructures were added to modernized the cafe.
The staff dining rooms were changed into takeaway food and coffee bar. The bin area expanded into big recycling bins area. The common serving area for all food and drinks changed into specifically for hot meals.
The other additional developments were the salad bar, barbecue point and the outdoor seating area. The salad bar set up inside the building to west side. In the very north west corner of building, the barbecue place constructed. The outdoor seating area established in the south of the cafe.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main features of the redesign, the analysis is somewhat superficial. You mention that the layout remained the same, but you do not provide enough detail or comparative analysis to fully satisfy the requirements of an Academic Task 1. To improve, ensure you describe the changes with more precision and reach the required length by providing a more comprehensive overview of the spatial shifts and additions.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite limited and sometimes mechanical. For example, the transition between the overview and the specific details is abrupt. To improve, try using a wider variety of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') to connect your sentences and ideas more fluidly. The current structure is functional but lacks the sophistication required for a higher band score.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the range and precision needed for a higher score. You rely on basic descriptors like 'big' and 'changed'. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'some infrastructures were added to modernized the cafe' (should be 'modernize'). To improve, focus on using more precise vocabulary related to spatial changes and development, and ensure you are using the correct word forms in your sentences.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains several grammatical errors that affect the flow of the text. For instance, 'The maps illustrate comparison of college cafe' is missing articles ('a' or 'the'). There are also issues with verb forms, such as 'barbecue place constructed' (should be 'was constructed') and 'salad bar set up' (should be 'was set up'). While you use some complex sentence structures, they are often marred by these inaccuracies. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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