Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-06
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 5.0)
The map compares a college cafe before it was redesigned and how it looks now.
Overall, it is clear that two maps compares a college cafe before and then cafe redesigned today. While, serving area is replaced by hot meals. Moreover, staff dining rooms is changed in two shops.
In detail, cafe before design north side of map is kitchen and then below the kitchen is serving area (all food and drink). Furthermore, east side of the map is Bin area and east - south corner has the toilets located and middle of the map is staff dining rooms and below side of rooms is table and chairs located.
On the other hand, cafe today it looks now serving area is removed and hot meals introduced in cafe today. While, middle of the map staff dining room rechanged and two new shops opened such as take away food and coffee bar is followed by table and chairs located in same place. In contrast west side of the map salad bar introduced. Moreover, outdoor seating area is build in cafe today .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the cafe redesign, such as the removal of the serving area and the addition of new shops and outdoor seating. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While the main changes are identified, the spatial relationships are sometimes confusingly described (e.g., 'below side of rooms is table and chairs'). To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the most significant transformations rather than just listing features. The response addresses the prompt, but the lack of precise comparative language and the somewhat disjointed presentation of information limit the score to a 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often repetitive or misused. For example, the phrase 'In detail' and 'On the other hand' are used, but the internal flow within paragraphs is frequently interrupted by awkward phrasing and missing articles. Referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track the changes between the two maps. Improving the use of linking words such as 'whereas,' 'subsequently,' or 'in contrast' would help create a smoother progression of ideas and better connect the before and after states.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'map,' 'cafe,' and 'changed.' There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'rechanged' and 'is build,' which indicate a lack of control over word formation and verb tenses. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. To improve, focus on using more specific verbs related to change, such as 'transformed,' 'converted,' or 'relocated,' and ensure correct noun-verb agreement throughout the report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a high frequency of grammatical errors, particularly regarding article usage ('the' is frequently omitted), subject-verb agreement ('staff dining rooms is changed'), and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack the necessary complexity to demonstrate a range of structures. While the meaning is generally understandable, the persistent errors in basic grammar and punctuation impede the flow and clarity of the writing. Focusing on consistent verb tenses and ensuring that sentences have a clear subject and predicate will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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