Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-02

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 7.5)

The maps compare the cafe's architecture before redesign and to present day.

Overall, the cafe has undergone significant structural transformations, most notably the expansion of the kitchen and serving facilities, the introduction of specialised food counters, and the addition of an outdoor seating area.

In the original layout, the northern section of the cafe was divided into a long serving area spanning across all food and drink, flanked by two staff dining rooms to the right and a compact kitchen area on the far left. The central and main floor space was dedicated entirely to a large open area with tables and chairs, while the toilets and a single bin were situated on the eastern wall.

Following the redesign, the northern section has been reconfigured into a larger dedicated kitchen on the left and a separate "hot meals" counter. The main serving area has been replaced by distinct counters: a salad bar running down the western wall, a "take away food" station, and a dedicated coffee bar towards the east. Additionally, a new outdoor seating area featuring several tables and a barbecue counter has been established along the western exterior, and the single bin has been replaced by multiple recycling and waste bins on the eastern wall near the toilets.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses the task by providing a clear summary of the main features and significant changes between the two plans. You have successfully identified the key structural transformations, such as the kitchen expansion, the new food counters, and the addition of the outdoor seating area. The overview is concise and highlights the most important trends, which is essential for a high band score. The comparison between the original and redesigned layouts is logical and well-supported by specific details from the diagrams. You have covered all parts of the task well, ensuring that the reader can clearly visualize the changes without needing to refer back to the original images.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the introduction to the detailed description of the original layout and finally the redesigned space. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate these distinct sections. Cohesive devices such as 'In the original layout', 'Following the redesign', and 'Additionally' are used naturally to guide the reader through the comparison. The information is presented in a coherent manner, and the relationship between the different areas of the cafe is easy to follow. There is a good balance of detail and summary, ensuring that the text flows smoothly throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to describing architectural changes. Phrases such as 'undergone significant structural transformations', 'reconfigured', and 'distinct counters' show a high level of precision. The use of vocabulary is natural and sophisticated, contributing to the clarity of the report. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the terminology used to describe the cafe's features is accurate and appropriate for an academic task. The vocabulary is varied and effectively avoids repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with high levels of accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentences to describe spatial relationships and changes, such as 'The main serving area has been replaced by distinct counters: a salad bar running down the western wall...'. Punctuation is used correctly to manage lists and clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and there is a sophisticated control over verb tenses and passive voice, which is particularly appropriate for describing changes in a layout. The grammar is consistently strong throughout the response.

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.