Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-03

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 map illustrates the changes made to a university café following its recent renovation.

Overall, the layout has been modernized to accommodate more seating and a wider variety of dining options, with several dedicated food stations replacing the older, simpler setup.

In the original design, the central space was dominated by a large dining area filled with tables and chairs. The northern section contained two private dining rooms for staff, while the kitchen and a combined food and drinks counter were situated in the north-west corner. Toilets were located in the south-east corner, directly opposite a single dustbin.

Following the reconstruction, the overall seating area has been expanded, and an outdoor dining area featuring a barbecue corner has been introduced. The former staff dining rooms have been replaced by a takeaway food counter and a coffee bar along the northern wall. In addition, the original counter and kitchen area have been reconfigured into a dedicated hot meals section with a kitchen positioned behind it. Finally, the single dustbin has been upgraded to a set of recycling bins on the western side, while a new salad bar has been installed directly opposite.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main changes and successfully highlighted the key differences between the two plans. The selection of information is logical, moving from the general layout to specific functional areas. You have made relevant comparisons, such as noting that the staff dining rooms were replaced by a takeaway counter and coffee bar. The information is well-supported by the visual data provided, and the summary is accurate and concise. No significant features were omitted, and the response demonstrates a clear understanding of the transformation process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized and easy to follow. Each paragraph has a clear focus: the introduction and overview, the original layout, and the redesigned layout. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In the original design,' 'Following the reconstruction,' and 'In addition,' which help guide the reader through the comparison. The progression of ideas is logical, and the referencing is clear throughout. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the 'before' and 'after' states is seamless, contributing to a coherent and professional-looking report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and layouts. Phrases such as 'accommodate more seating,' 'dedicated food stations,' 'reconfigured,' and 'upgraded' demonstrate a strong command of language. The vocabulary is precise and fits the context of a formal report well. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is natural and sophisticated enough to convey the changes clearly. You have successfully avoided repetition by using varied terminology to describe the different areas of the cafe.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, effectively. For example, 'The northern section contained two private dining rooms for staff, while the kitchen and a combined food and drinks counter were situated in the north-west corner' is a well-constructed, error-free sentence. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense and voice is consistent, which is essential for describing changes in a process or plan.

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