Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The map below depict a college cafe before it was redesigned and how it looks now.
Overall, the area underwent significant changes, most notably the construction of outdoor seating area with a barbecue. the area also become residential after redesigning.
Before redesigning the cafe, the two rooms were used for same purpose staff dinning room which is now changed to two different things like firstly, for taking away food secondly, it is a coffee bar. moreover, size of the bin is increased and a salad bar is added to the west of the tables and chairs. In addition, serving area is changed to hot meals while kitchen remains the same.
Another significant changes occurred outside the cafe where, a outdoor seating is installed with number of tables and chairs. Furthermore, a barbecue is also designed in the north-s
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified some key features, such as the outdoor seating and the changes to the internal layout, the description is incomplete and lacks the necessary detail to fully satisfy the task. For instance, the claim that the area became 'residential' is factually incorrect based on the provided plans. Furthermore, the summary is underdeveloped, and the failure to reach the word count means that the information is not sufficiently reported or compared. To improve, ensure you describe all major changes clearly and provide a more comprehensive overview of the transformation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical flow is hindered by the incomplete nature of the sentences and the lack of cohesive devices. While you use transition words like 'moreover' and 'in addition', the connection between ideas is sometimes mechanical or unclear. The paragraphing is present, but the abrupt ending suggests that the structure was not fully planned. To improve, focus on using a wider range of linking phrases to connect your observations and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus that contributes to the overall summary of the changes.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. You rely on basic descriptors such as 'changed' and 'increased'. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'staff dinning room' (should be 'dining') and the incorrect assertion that the area became 'residential'. To improve, try to incorporate more specific vocabulary related to describing maps and changes, such as 'relocated', 'expanded', 'transformed', or 'converted'. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and nouns will help you convey the information more accurately and professionally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The map below depict', 'the area also become'), missing articles ('a outdoor seating'), and punctuation errors. The sentence structures are relatively simple, and there is a lack of complex grammatical forms. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Additionally, try to incorporate more complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or passive voice, which are particularly useful when describing changes in a formal report format.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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