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 development plans demonstrate how the college cafe looked before and after some renovations.

Overall, the cafe underwent numerous changes; some places remained in the same place, while some new features were added to the cafe after the redesign. Key features of the plans are the barbecue and salad bar area, which was not part of the cafe in the past.

An outdoor seating area was constructed on the south. In addition, the salad bar and barbecue were added on the west side of the cafe. After renovation, the staff rooms were converted into a takeaway and coffee bar, and the bin section was replaced with the recycling bin area. Although the serving area was transformed into a hot meals room, outdoor seating was a significant addition to the cafe.

Tables and chairs were located at the center of the cafe. The kitchen and toilets remained in the same place.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the cafe redesign, identifying both the additions and the areas that remained unchanged. You successfully highlighted the new outdoor seating, the salad bar, and the conversion of the staff rooms. However, the report is somewhat brief and lacks a more detailed comparison of the layout changes. To reach a higher band, ensure you describe the spatial relationships more precisely (e.g., noting the shift in the serving area's function more clearly). While the main features are addressed, the analysis could be more comprehensive to fully satisfy the requirements for a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a body paragraph detailing the changes, and a concluding sentence about the static elements. You use some cohesive devices like 'In addition' and 'Although' to link ideas. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical. The paragraphing is sufficient, but the transition between the description of new features and the mention of unchanged areas could be smoother. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'renovations', 'converted', 'transformed', and 'redesign' appropriately. There is some repetition of the word 'cafe' and 'place'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise descriptive language regarding the layout, such as 'relocated', 'expanded', or 'partitioned'. The vocabulary used is accurate and does not impede communication, but it lacks the variety and sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of the passive voice ('was constructed', 'were converted') which is appropriate for describing processes or changes. There are very few grammatical errors, and the punctuation is generally correct. While the range of structures is somewhat limited, the sentences are clear and error-free for the most part. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more varied complex sentence patterns to demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility.

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

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