Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-04

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 6.5)

The maps illustrate the changes that occurred in a college cafe before and after renovation and how it looks now.

Overall, there is an expansion of the cafe by the addition of some facilities comprising outdoor seating and barbecue setups. In the seating area of the cafe, new amenities are included, such as a coffee bar, salad bar, and other features.

Firstly, before the renovation, there was one entrance from the eastern side of the cafe. Then, on the left side of the entrance, there was a bin and toilets adjacent to the bin. Subsequently, on the northern side of the seating area, there were two staff dining rooms. Additionally, on the northwest corner, there was a kitchen and a serving area right next to it.

Furthermore, after the renovation, there is the addition of two entrances, and now there are three. Moreover, outdoor seating and a barbecue area are added on the southern side of the cafe. Bins are transformed into recycling bins. Two staff dining rooms are altered into a coffee bar and takeaway food rooms. Finally, there is an addition of a salad bar in the seating area of the cafe located on the western side. The serving area is converted into a hot meal point, but the kitchen remains unchanged.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively covers all key features of the cafe renovation. You have successfully identified the main changes, such as the expansion of entrances, the addition of outdoor facilities, and the repurposing of internal rooms. The overview provides a clear summary of the transformation. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more integrated; for example, instead of listing 'before' and 'after' in separate paragraphs, you could contrast specific areas directly (e.g., 'The former staff dining rooms were replaced by a coffee bar and takeaway area'). Overall, the information is accurate and well-selected.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological approach. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Subsequently', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' helps guide the reader through the changes. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary the sentence structure to link ideas more fluidly rather than relying solely on sequence markers at the start of sentences. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the 'before' and 'after' states, which aids readability.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'renovation', 'amenities', 'adjacent', and 'converted'. The vocabulary is generally precise and appropriate for a report on a floor plan. There are no significant spelling errors. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more sophisticated collocations or synonyms to avoid repetition of words like 'addition' or 'area'. For instance, using 'transformed into' or 'reconfigured' adds variety and demonstrates a more flexible command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, and the grammar is generally accurate. Most sentences are error-free, and the meaning is always clear. You use passive voice effectively to describe the changes (e.g., 'bins are transformed', 'two staff dining rooms are altered'). While the control is good, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. Introducing more varied subordinate clauses or participial phrases would enhance the grammatical complexity and help you move toward a higher band score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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