Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-05

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 6.0)

The two-floor plan illustrates the changes in a college cafe before and after its current arrangement.

Overall, the cafe underwent significant changes primarily including food and dining facilities. The kitchen and toilets remained roughly at the same place, while some outdoor seating has been introduced.

Initially, prior the changes kitchen was in the upper north corner from where all the food and drinks were dispensed. Two staff dining rooms were located besides the serving area each equipped with circular tables. Moreover, toilets were situated in the south-east corner with a bin put right in front of its enterance.. A large space in the center was consumed by tables and chairs.

After the redesign, the kitchen and toilets stayed exactly where they were before. However, the serving food station is replaced by hot meals area and the two staff dining rooms now provide the facility of take away food and a functional coffee bar. A salad bar has been introduced in north-west corner whereas the bin has been upgraded to a recycle bin. An outdoor seating plan has been installed with a barbecue with a significant change in the enterance providing access to both indoor and outdoor.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the cafe redesign. You have clearly highlighted the areas that remained unchanged, such as the kitchen and toilets, and contrasted them with the new additions like the salad bar and outdoor seating. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the transformation. However, to reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise. For example, you mention the kitchen was in the 'upper north corner' initially, but the plan shows it in the north-west. Accuracy in describing spatial relationships is crucial for Task 1. Overall, you have covered all parts of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that separate the 'before' and 'after' states. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Moreover', 'However', and 'whereas' helps guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group related information. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Referencing is generally clear, though the connection between the 'serving food station' and the 'hot meals area' could be more explicitly linked to improve the logical progression of the description.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'redesign', 'arrangement', 'dispensed', and 'functional'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'serving food station' (should be 'food serving area') and 'provide the facility of take away food' (which is slightly unnatural). Additionally, there are a few spelling errors, such as 'enterance' (entrance). To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to architectural changes, such as 'relocated', 'partitioned', or 'refurbished', to show a more flexible control of language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'prior the changes kitchen was' (missing articles and prepositions: 'prior to the changes, the kitchen was') and 'bin put right in front of its enterance' (should be 'its entrance'). While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. You have attempted some complex structures, but accuracy remains inconsistent. Focusing on article usage and subject-verb agreement will help elevate your score. Ensure that you proofread for minor slips in prepositions and articles, which are frequent throughout the text.

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

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