Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The map compares the layout of a cafe in a college before it was 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 were converted into a coffee bar and takeaway service.

In the 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 facilities and bins were on the left side of the entrance. Additionally, the table and chair seating was arranged at the center of the cafe.

Presently, the major change in the plan is an outdoor seating barbeque service. Whereas recycling bins and toilets remained same. While staff dining is replaced by food takeaway and coffee bar. Kitchen remained the same with a minor change in service area to hot meals. Central seating is remained unchanged with addition of salad bar.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the cafe redesign, such as the addition of outdoor seating and the conversion of the staff dining area. You have provided a clear overview and supported it with specific details from the plans. However, the report could be improved by using more precise comparative language. For instance, instead of stating 'kitchen remained the same', you could highlight the specific modification to the service area. The description of the layout is generally accurate, but ensure that all changes are clearly contrasted with the 'before' state to fully satisfy the requirement for reporting comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs detailing the changes. You use some cohesive devices like 'Meanwhile', 'Additionally', and 'Whereas' to connect ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the use of 'While' at the start of sentences is sometimes grammatically incomplete or repetitive. Improving the flow between sentences by varying your linking words would enhance the overall coherence. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is presented in a way that is easy for the reader to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'redesigned', 'renovation', 'facilities', and 'layout'. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'remained same' (should be 'remained the same') and 'barbeque outdoor seating' (which could be more naturally phrased as 'outdoor barbecue area'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band score. Attempting to use more varied synonyms for 'change' or 'remained' would help elevate your lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'Central seating is remained unchanged' (passive voice error) and 'staff dining rooms were converted' (which is correct, but the subsequent sentence 'While staff dining rooms were converted...' is a sentence fragment). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the misuse of 'While' as a sentence starter without a main clause is a recurring issue. To improve, focus on ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject and verb and avoid using subordinating conjunctions to start sentences that do not contain a main clause.

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

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