Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

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 The kitchen and toilets have remained in roughly the same locations, while the former staff dining rooms have been replaced by a takeaway-food area and a coffee bar.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 The original bin has been replaced by recycling bins near the toilets.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 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all key features of the cafe redesign, including the structural changes (takeaway area, coffee bar, salad bar) and the addition of the outdoor space. The overview is clear and effectively highlights the most significant transformations. You have made relevant comparisons between the 'before' and 'after' states throughout the text, ensuring the reader understands the evolution of the space. The information is well-selected and accurately reported, meeting all requirements of the task prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized, moving from a general overview to a detailed description of the original layout, followed by the current state. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate these distinct sections. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Before the redesign', 'Today', and 'The most notable addition' are used naturally to guide the reader through the comparison. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow, with clear referencing throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for describing spatial changes. Phrases such as 'undergone significant changes', 'converted into', 'installed along', and 'modified to provide access' show a high level of control. The word choices are accurate and contribute to a professional, academic tone. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation, and the vocabulary is used with flexibility to describe the various features of the cafe.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing displays a high degree of grammatical accuracy. You use a variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions ('have been removed', 'have been retained') and subordinate clauses, which are essential for this type of task. The sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The control over tense usage—switching between past and present to reflect the timeline of the redesign—is handled perfectly.

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