Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)

The two plans illustrate the layout of a college café before its redesign and its current arrangement. Overall, the café has undergone significant changes, particularly with the introduction of several new food and dining facilities. The kitchen and toilets have remained in roughly the same locations, while the former staff dining rooms have been replaced by a takeaway-food area and a coffee bar. In addition, an outdoor seating area and barbecue have been added. Before the redesign, the kitchen occupied the north-western corner of the café and contained a serving area for all food and drinks. Two staff dining rooms were situated beside the kitchen, while the remainder of the café consisted mainly of tables and chairs. A bin was located against the eastern wall, close to the toilets in the south-eastern corner. Today, the kitchen remains in the same position, although its former serving area has been converted into a hot-meals section. The two staff dining rooms have been removed and replaced by a takeaway-food area and a coffee bar. A salad bar has also been installed along the western wall of the main seating area. The original bin has been replaced by recycling bins near the toilets. The most notable addition is the outdoor area. Tables and chairs have been placed outside the southern wall, creating an outdoor seating space, while a barbecue has been added at the south-western corner. The main indoor tables and chairs have been retained, although the entrance arrangements have also been modified to provide access to the newly created outdoor area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have fully addressed all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and detailed comparisons between the two plans. You successfully identified the key features, such as the conversion of the staff dining rooms into a takeaway area and coffee bar, and the addition of the outdoor seating and barbecue. The information is accurate, and the selection of features is highly relevant, ensuring the reader gets a complete picture of the changes. The overview is well-integrated into the introduction, which is a hallmark of a high-scoring response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from an overall summary to specific details of the 'before' and 'after' states. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the initial layout from the modifications. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Before the redesign', 'Today', and 'The most notable addition' are used naturally and accurately to guide the reader through the comparison. The flow of information is smooth, and referencing is precise, making the text very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for describing diagrams. Phrases like 'undergone significant changes', 'converted into', 'retained', and 'modified' show a sophisticated control of language. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also varied, avoiding unnecessary repetition. You successfully use specific terminology related to the layout, such as 'north-western corner' and 'south-eastern corner', which adds to the clarity and professional tone of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use a mix of complex sentences, passive voice (e.g., 'have been replaced', 'has been installed'), and clear subordinate clauses effectively. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no noticeable errors. The control over tense usage—shifting between the past for the original layout and the present for the current state—is handled flawlessly, contributing to the overall clarity of the comparison.

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