Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

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

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 a single entrance on 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. The bins are replaced by recycling bins. Two staff dining rooms are altered into a coffee bar and a takeaway food area. Finally, a salad bar is added in the seating area of the cafe, located on the western side. The serving area has been converted into a hot meal area, but the kitchen remains unchanged.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively summarizes the main features of the cafe renovation. You have successfully identified the key changes, such as the expansion of seating, the addition of outdoor facilities, and the conversion of rooms. The overview provides a clear summary of the transformation, and the body paragraphs logically group the 'before' and 'after' states. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more explicit; for instance, rather than just listing changes, you could highlight the contrast between the original layout and the new, more customer-focused design. Overall, the task is well-addressed with all key information covered.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the 'before' and 'after' states. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Subsequently', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' helps guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the two time periods. The progression of ideas is clear, and the referencing is generally accurate. To improve, you could vary your cohesive devices slightly more to avoid a somewhat mechanical feel, but the current structure is effective and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, including terms like 'renovation', 'amenities', 'adjacent', and 'converted'. The language is precise enough to convey the spatial changes accurately. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To move into the higher bands, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or synonyms for common verbs like 'added' or 'changed' (e.g., 'transformed', 'reconfigured', 'incorporated'). Overall, the lexical range is adequate and appropriate for this task type.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'The maps illustrate the changes that occurred...' and 'The serving area has been converted into a hot meal area, but the kitchen remains unchanged.' Punctuation is generally accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The sentences are clear and easy to read. To achieve a higher score, you could experiment with more varied complex sentence structures, such as using passive voice or participle clauses to describe the changes more fluidly.

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