Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-25
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 map compares the layout of a cafe in a college before redesigned and after renovation.
Overall, the barbeque outdoor seating has been included in the layout at the bottom of the map. While staff dining rooms are converted in coffee bar and takeaway service.
In past before redesigning, the cafe had a large rectangular kitchen located at the upper left corner of the layout. Meanwhile, the staff dining rooms were connected to the right side of the kitchen. Toilet facility and bin was on the left side of the entrance. Additionally, the table and chair seating arranged at the center of the cafe.
Presently, the major change in plan is the outdoor seating for the barbeque service. whereas recycling bins and toilets are at the same location. while staff dining is replaced by food takeaway and coffee bar. Kitchen remained same with minor change in service area to hot meals. Central seating is constant with addition of salad bar.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the cafe redesign, including the addition of the outdoor seating and the conversion of the staff dining area. However, the summary is somewhat limited in its analytical depth. While the main changes are identified, the description of the layout could be more precise; for example, the 'hot meals' service area is mentioned, but the spatial relationship between the kitchen and the new service points is not fully explored. The overview is clear, but the report would benefit from a more detailed comparison of the spatial flow between the 'before' and 'after' states to reach a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the changes. Cohesive devices such as 'meanwhile', 'additionally', and 'whereas' are used to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the use of punctuation is occasionally inconsistent, such as starting sentences with lowercase letters after a period (e.g., 'whereas recycling bins...'). The progression of information is generally clear, but the paragraphing could be improved by ensuring that each paragraph focuses on a distinct theme or area of the cafe to enhance the overall flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the changes clearly. Terms like 'renovation', 'converted', and 'constant' are used appropriately. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'barbeque outdoor seating' (which should be 'outdoor barbecue area') and 'coffee bar and takeaway service' (which lacks an article). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors. To improve, the student should incorporate more precise terminology related to floor plans and spatial changes, such as 'relocated', 'partitioned', or 'expanded'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Issues include missing articles (e.g., 'in coffee bar'), incorrect verb forms (e.g., 'before redesigned'), and subject-verb agreement errors (e.g., 'Toilet facility and bin was'). While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on consistent verb tense usage and proper article placement would significantly improve the accuracy of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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