Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

There is comparison showing previous and new look of cafe

The area remained same but new addition of different items make it modern and more convenient for students to sit there and enjoy their meals.

By looking at kitchen it has now hot meals are which attracts students to have fresh and well prepared meals.

Hall area has installment of salad bar,take away food counter and coffee bar which has increased options for students to avail.

New entry and exit doors also have been installed with addition of recycling bins which help the stop to segregate different waste items.

What is more charming addition of this cafe is outdoor sitting area which will help students to enjoy outside weather alongside with their meals.

Barbecue area is moon on the sky addition to this cafe because it will attracts people to enjoy fast food options.

Overall it has been a great modification.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response identifies the main features of the cafe redesign, such as the kitchen, seating areas, and doors. However, the report lacks a clear overview, which is essential for Task 1. The description is somewhat fragmented and relies on listing features rather than providing a cohesive summary of the changes. While the key modifications are mentioned, the comparison between the 'before' and 'after' states is not fully developed, and the tone is occasionally informal (e.g., 'moon on the sky'). To improve, ensure you include a clear introductory summary of the overall transformation and group related features more logically.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into short, somewhat disjointed paragraphs. There is a lack of cohesive devices to link ideas smoothly; for instance, the transition between the kitchen and the hall is abrupt. The use of referencing is occasionally unclear, and the paragraphing is not fully effective in guiding the reader through the comparison. To reach a higher band, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'furthermore', 'in contrast', 'consequently') and ensure that each paragraph focuses on a distinct theme or area of the cafe to improve the logical flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and academic tone required for a high band. Phrases like 'moon on the sky' are idiomatic errors that do not fit the context of a formal report. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'have' and 'enjoy'. To improve, focus on using more precise, academic vocabulary related to spatial changes, such as 'relocated', 'expanded', 'integrated', or 'transformed'. Avoid informal expressions and strive for a more neutral, objective tone throughout the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'There is comparison showing previous and new look' (missing articles), 'By looking at kitchen it has now hot meals are' (awkward syntax), and 'help the stop to segregate' (likely a typo for 'staff'). The sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and varying your sentence structure. Proofreading for basic errors like missing prepositions or incorrect word order will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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