Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-24
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 below pictorial diagram represents the structural changes in the college cafe when it was before and after recognised redesigned.
Overall, the picture shows that major changes in the tables and chairs area and serving area also being changed. another additional changes occurs by adding barbecue counter and outdoor seating area.
looking at the first, the are major changer being occurs in main middle area of the tables and chair area, the first change was seen that serving area being changed to hot meals, and staff dining rooms being changed to take away food and coffee bar. dustbin location was changed from smaller size to much bigger size.
looking to the another part of the changes were measured in the outdoor part. new gate just beside the toilet has been placed and barbecue centre was established for new taste of the food. though in the indoor new counter of salad being established. and major changes can be seen in outdoor where new seating area being placed for the family of four and more than four.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the redesign, such as the changes to the serving area and the addition of the barbecue and outdoor seating. However, the overview is somewhat weak and lacks a clear summary of the most significant transformations. The description of the changes is occasionally imprecise, such as referring to the 'dustbin' size, which is a minor detail rather than a main feature. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the most striking changes (e.g., the transition from a staff dining room to a take-away area) and group information more logically to provide a clearer comparison between the 'before' and 'after' states.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is divided into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate (e.g., 'looking at the first', 'looking to the another part'). The progression of ideas is sometimes disjointed, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to follow the spatial layout of the cafe. To reach a higher band, use a wider range of linking words and ensure that transitions between sentences and paragraphs are smoother and more natural.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with several awkward collocations and word choices. For example, 'pictorial diagram' is redundant, and 'recognised redesigned' is grammatically incorrect. The student relies on basic descriptors like 'major changes' and 'new'. There is an attempt to use specific terms like 'barbecue counter' and 'take away food', but the overall range is insufficient to convey the information with precision. Increasing the use of synonyms and more sophisticated descriptive language related to layout and change would improve the score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are persistent issues with verb forms (e.g., 'major changer being occurs', 'serving area being changed') and article usage. Sentence structures are largely simple or repetitive, with limited attempts at complex sentences. The lack of control over basic grammar, such as subject-verb agreement and tense consistency, is noticeable throughout the text. Focusing on accurate sentence construction and proofreading for basic errors would significantly enhance the quality of the writing.
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