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 floor plans compare the layout of a college cafe before and after its recent redevelopment.
Overall, the cafe has undergone significant modernization, marked by the removal of exclusive staff areas, the introduction of self-service food stations, and the addition of an outdoor dining space.
In the original design, the top-left area contained a single serving area for all food and drinks, while two dedicated staff dining rooms occupied the top-right corner. The main center area was reserved for general tables and chairs, with a single bin positioned near the toilets in the bottom-right corner.
Following the renovation, the staff dining rooms were removed to make way for a dedicated kitchen and a hot meals counter. The original serving area was replaced by separate counters for takeaway food and a coffee bar in the central zone, alongside a new salad bar along the left wall. In the bottom-right corner, the single bin was updated to recycling bins near the toilets. Additionally, doors were added along the bottom wall, leading to a newly created outdoor seating area equipped with extra tables, chairs, and a barbecue.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
You have provided a clear and comprehensive summary of the changes between the two floor plans. You successfully identified the key features, such as the removal of staff dining rooms, the addition of the kitchen and hot meals counter, and the introduction of the outdoor seating area. The overview is well-constructed, highlighting the most significant trends like modernization and the shift toward self-service. You have effectively compared the 'before' and 'after' states, ensuring all parts of the prompt are addressed. The information is accurate and well-selected, providing a clear picture of the transformation without unnecessary detail.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that detail the changes chronologically and spatially. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from the general layout to specific modifications. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In the original design', 'Following the renovation', and 'Additionally', which help the reader navigate the description easily. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial state from the subsequent changes, contributing to the overall clarity of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
Your vocabulary is precise and well-suited to the task of describing a floor plan. You used a range of relevant terminology such as 'redevelopment', 'modernization', 'dedicated kitchen', and 'outdoor seating area'. The language is natural and demonstrates a good level of control. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate slightly more sophisticated descriptive language, but the current range is more than sufficient for a clear and professional report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The writing is highly accurate, with a variety of complex sentence structures used throughout. You demonstrate excellent control over grammar and punctuation. For example, your use of participial phrases ('marked by the removal of...') and prepositional phrases to describe locations ('in the bottom-right corner') shows a high level of grammatical flexibility. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few structures used are consistently correct. The flow is natural, and there are no grammatical slips that impede communication or distract the reader.
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