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)

Here the diagram displays that how it seen the college cafe after it transform into a new design.

Overall in the college cafe after redesigned some places at same but some were change and also some new places added.

First of all the kitchen that placed at the front of the cafe is not replaced and it become on it place. After that serving area where the food and drinks were serve is replaced and converted into hot meals.At the left side a salad bar can build which is a new that is added.On the write side of the hot meal their are two attached rooms and they are convert into two separate rooms . The first one is convert in take away food and the other is in a coffee bar.The bin is upgraded and it replaced in recycle bin. Toilets are at the same place and the main hall that there the tables and chairs are placed for the customers are same. In backyard on left side barbecue and outdoor sitting are arranged.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the cafe redesign, such as the kitchen, serving area, and new additions like the salad bar and outdoor seating. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While the main changes are identified, the comparison between the 'before' and 'after' states is not fully developed, and some details are presented in a list-like fashion rather than as a cohesive summary. To improve, ensure the overview highlights the most significant trends, such as the expansion of food service options and the addition of outdoor facilities, rather than just listing individual changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by repetitive sentence structures and a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices. Transitions like 'First of all' and 'After that' are used, but they feel mechanical. Referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the sentence 'the kitchen that placed at the front of the cafe is not replaced and it become on it place.' The progression of ideas is present but lacks the fluidity required for a higher band. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring clear reference to specific locations on the plan would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive, relying on basic verbs like 'replaced', 'changed', and 'added'. There are several instances of awkward word choice and incorrect collocations, such as 'it become on it place' and 'on the write side' (spelling error: 'right'). The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, but it lacks the precision and variety needed for a higher score. To improve, focus on using more descriptive verbs and nouns related to spatial changes, such as 'relocated', 'transformed', 'converted', or 'extended'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede readability. There are issues with verb tense consistency ('is replaced', 'can build', 'are convert'), subject-verb agreement, and article usage. The sentence structures are predominantly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences, and those that are attempted often contain errors. For example, 'the main hall that there the tables and chairs are placed for the customers are same' is grammatically confusing. Focusing on basic sentence construction, correct verb forms, and proofreading for common errors would significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

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

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