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 replaced by 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 addresses the task by identifying the main features of the cafe before and after the redesign. You have successfully highlighted key changes, such as the expansion of seating, the addition of outdoor facilities, and the conversion of specific rooms. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the transformation. To reach a higher band, ensure that you make more direct comparisons between the two plans rather than just listing features sequentially. For instance, explicitly contrasting the original layout with the new one in terms of flow or space allocation would strengthen the analytical aspect of your report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Subsequently', 'Furthermore', and 'Moreover' to guide the reader through the changes. While the paragraphing is appropriate, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the progression of ideas flows more naturally between sentences. The referencing is generally clear, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow, which is a hallmark of a well-structured response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'renovation', 'amenities', 'adjacent', and 'converted'. The language is precise enough to convey the information accurately. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional and lacks the sophistication required for higher bands. To improve, incorporate more varied collocations and precise descriptive language related to architectural changes or spatial layout. For example, instead of repeating 'addition of', use synonyms like 'incorporation', 'installation', or 'introduction' to enhance the lexical variety throughout the text.

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 your control over punctuation is good. There are occasional minor slips, but these do not impede communication. To aim for a higher band, try to integrate more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'The kitchen was retained while the staff rooms were repurposed') or relative clauses to combine information more fluidly. This would demonstrate a greater command of English grammar and increase the sophistication of your writing.

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

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