Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-31

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 8.0)

The provided diagrams illustrate the structural changes made to a college café by comparing its original layout with its current, post-renovation configuration.

Overall, the café has undergone significant modernization, characterized by the repurposing of internal staff facilities into customer service areas and the introduction of a new outdoor dining section. Despite these major structural changes, the primary internal seating area remains largely untouched.

In the original design, the serving area for all food and drinks was integrated into a single L-shaped counter situated directly in front of the kitchen. Additionally, two separate staff dining rooms were located along the top edge of the main seating area. Following the redesign, the original serving space was converted to exclusively serve hot meals. The area previously occupied by the staff dining rooms was divided into two distinct customer-facing sections: a takeaway food counter and a coffee bar. Furthermore, a new salad bar was installed along the left wall of the main seating area.

The large central area designated for tables and chairs experienced no structural alterations. Similarly, the toilets in the bottom right corner remained in their original position. However, the standard bin situated on the right wall was replaced with designated recycling bins. The most prominent addition is the newly constructed outdoor space located just below the café's main entrance, which features five tables and a dedicated barbecue station on the far left.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all key features of the café redesign, including the conversion of staff rooms into service counters, the addition of the salad bar, and the new outdoor dining area. The overview is clear and effectively highlights the most significant changes, such as the modernization and the repurposing of space. You have made relevant comparisons between the 'before' and 'after' states throughout the report, ensuring the reader can easily visualize the transformation. The information is well-selected and logically presented, fully satisfying the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overall summary, the internal service changes, and the remaining features/additions. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In the original design,' 'Following the redesign,' and 'Furthermore,' which help guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the referencing is clear throughout. The flow of information is natural and professional, making the report very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal report. Phrases such as 'structural changes,' 'post-renovation configuration,' 'repurposing of internal staff facilities,' and 'customer-facing sections' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also sophisticated, contributing to the professional tone of the response. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and varied throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response exhibits a high degree of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the passive voice ('was converted,' 'was installed,' 'was replaced') and complex noun phrases, which are well-suited for describing processes and changes. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and aspect is consistent, reflecting a very high level of grammatical competence.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.