Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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 to the changes; the kitchen was in the upper north corner from where all the food and drinks were dispensed. Two staff dining rooms were located beside 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 entrance.. 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 food serving 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 the 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 entrance 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 contrasted the 'before' and 'after' states, highlighting key changes such as the introduction of the salad bar, the outdoor seating area, and the repurposing of the staff dining rooms. The overview is concise and effectively captures the essence of the transformation. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise; for instance, you mention the kitchen remained in the same place, which is accurate, but you could further elaborate on the spatial flow changes to provide a more comprehensive summary of the layout shifts.

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 'Initially', 'Moreover', and 'After the redesign' helps the reader navigate the information smoothly. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the two time periods. To improve, ensure that referencing is always clear; for example, in the phrase 'in front of its entrance', the pronoun 'its' is slightly ambiguous as it refers back to the toilets. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'redesign', 'introduced', 'dispensed', and 'functional'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, which is appropriate for this task. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'consumed by tables' (which sounds slightly unnatural) and 'provide the facility of take away food'. Focusing on more precise collocations would enhance the sophistication of your writing. The vocabulary is generally accurate and allows for clear communication of the visual data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While most sentences are clear, there are some minor grammatical slips, such as the punctuation error in 'prior to the changes; the kitchen' (a semicolon is not required here) and the phrasing 'the food serving station is replaced by hot meals area' (which lacks an article). Despite these occasional errors, your control of grammar is generally good, and the meaning is never obscured. To achieve a higher score, aim for more varied complex sentence structures and ensure consistent use of articles and punctuation.

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

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