Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-23

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 6.5)

The plans illustrate a collage cafe before it was redesigned and how it looks now.

Looking at the first plan, there were two staff dining rooms near the kitchen. In addition, the kitchen had a serving area where all food and drinks were prepared. There was one toilet opposite the bin, and tables and chairs occupied most of the cafe area.

Looking at the second plan, the toilets and the kitchen remained unchanged. On the other hand, a salad bar, a barbecue area, and outdoor seating were added. The staff dining rooms were changed into a take away food area and a coffee bar. The serving area was converted into a hot meals area. Two more doors were added to provide access to the outdoor seating area. Furthermore, tables and chairs still occupy the same area as before.

Overall, every part remained in the same location; however, some areas were changed and some new features were added.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the cafe redesign. You have clearly contrasted the 'before' and 'after' states, noting both the areas that remained unchanged (kitchen, toilets) and those that were modified or added (salad bar, coffee bar, outdoor seating). The overview is present, though it could be more descriptive by highlighting the most significant change, such as the shift toward a more customer-focused layout. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is accurate based on the provided plans. To reach a higher band, ensure the overview synthesises the information more effectively rather than just stating that things changed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for the 'before' and 'after' states, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore' to link your sentences. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. To improve, try to vary the cohesive devices further and ensure that the relationship between the two plans is highlighted more fluidly within the paragraphs rather than just listing changes.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'redesigned', 'converted', 'occupied', and 'provide access'. There is a minor spelling error in the first sentence ('collage' instead of 'college'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it is somewhat functional. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more precise collocations or descriptive language related to spatial changes, such as 'transformed into', 'repurposed', or 'underwent a significant renovation'. The current range is sufficient for the task but lacks the sophistication required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. You successfully use passive voice constructions, such as 'were changed' and 'were added', which is appropriate for describing a process or change. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To move to a higher band, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as relative clauses or more advanced subordinating conjunctions, to show greater flexibility in your writing.

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

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