Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The idea provides the map of a cafe in college.
Overall, the map of a cafe was designed once before but it was not really good so the constructor designed the map again . However, there was a large space in the cafe where chairs and tables are kept . After redesigning the map staff dining rooms are designed into the space for take away and some space for the coffee bar that was more acceptable . Today there are a lots of advancements in a cafe like instead of bins it is changed into recycling bins that are very environment friendly, salad bars are also designed at a left corner of a cafe . Whereas, toilets are at a right corner of a cafe that was same in both maps. On the other hand , at the top of a left corner there is a kitchen that was designed same as before but serving area was changed into a hot meals place . After redesigning the map there was outdoor seating to enjoy eating with a great weather and also a barbecue spot to enjoy live barbecue . Redesigned map was better than before .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to describe the changes, but it lacks a clear, professional overview. The introduction is weak, referring to the plans as 'the idea' and 'the map'. While you mention several changes, such as the addition of outdoor seating and the recycling bins, the description is somewhat disorganized. You struggle to present a clear comparison between the 'before' and 'after' states, often focusing on subjective opinions like 'it was not really good' or 'more acceptable' rather than objective reporting of spatial changes. To improve, focus on grouping features logically (e.g., structural changes vs. functional changes) and ensure the overview highlights the most significant transformations, such as the expansion of seating and the addition of new facilities.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is written as a single paragraph, which makes it difficult to follow. IELTS Task 1 responses should be structured with a clear introduction, an overview, and distinct body paragraphs for different features. While you use some cohesive devices like 'However', 'Today', and 'Whereas', they are often used incorrectly or in a way that does not logically connect the ideas. The progression of information is somewhat erratic, jumping between different areas of the cafe without a clear spatial logic. Improving your paragraphing and using a wider range of linking phrases would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. You frequently use the word 'map' to refer to the floor plans, which is inaccurate; 'plan' or 'layout' would be more appropriate. Phrases like 'designed into the space' and 'designed same as before' are unnatural. There is also a reliance on basic descriptive language. To reach a higher band, you should use more precise terminology related to architectural changes, such as 'relocated', 'converted', 'extended', or 'replaced'. Avoid subjective commentary like 'very environment friendly' and focus on describing the physical features shown in the diagrams.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Issues include incorrect verb tenses (e.g., 'staff dining rooms are designed' instead of 'were converted'), awkward sentence structures, and punctuation errors, such as spaces before commas. The sentence variety is limited, and many sentences are clunky or difficult to parse. For example, 'the constructor designed the map again' is an unnatural way to describe a renovation. You should focus on using passive voice correctly for describing changes (e.g., 'The kitchen was relocated') and ensure that your subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the report.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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