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 given diagram illustrates the cafe in college before it was rebuilt and how it looks nowadays.

Overall, it can be observed from the given diagram that area for cafe remain similar however, sitting tables outside the cafe has been inclined today.

In the past, there was a kitchen at the top of the building with the serving area in proximity, which served all food and drinks. In the main area there were only table and chairs, which were located in the center. Furthermore, above the main area, two staff dinning rooms were featured. To its right, a bin stood between the entrance to the cafe at the top and toilets at the bottom.

Currently, few places have been replaced and some amenities have been added. The serving room has been transformed to an area which provides hot meals. As regards rooms, where staff used to eat have been converted into an area, where people can take away their food and a coffee bar. Moreover the bin has been modernized into a recycling bin. Adjacent to it, a salad bar has been positioned. An outdoor seating area has been added in the lower part of the cafe including five tables and 26 chairs as well as a new barbeque on the right side. Meanwhile, only the kitchen, tables with chairs in the center of the building and toilets remain unchanged.

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, noting both the additions (outdoor seating, salad bar, takeaway area) and the unchanged elements (kitchen, toilets). The overview is present and highlights the key trend of expansion. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with precision; for example, you mention 'five tables and 26 chairs', which is excellent detail. However, ensure that the comparison is balanced throughout the report to fully satisfy the requirements of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs focusing on the past and present states. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'In the past', 'Furthermore', 'Currently', and 'Meanwhile' to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two time periods. The progression of ideas is smooth, although some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary the sentence starters further and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'To its right') remains consistently clear throughout the description.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'transformed', 'converted', 'modernized', and 'adjacent'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'sitting tables' (should be 'seating area') and 'staff dinning rooms' (spelling: 'dining'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it lacks the sophisticated collocation or idiomatic precision required for higher bands. Focusing on more precise terminology for spatial descriptions would enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'As regards rooms, where staff used to eat have been converted...'. However, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'area for cafe remain' (should be 'the area for the cafe remains') and 'sitting tables... has been inclined' (incorrect verb choice). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are occasional errors with comma usage. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage.

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