Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-07
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 illustrates a cafe of a college before it was redesigned and how it looks now. We can clearly see the before and after construction designs of the cafe.
Earlier, we had a kitchen and serving area which includes all food and drinks located in the north west corner. Moreover, staff dining rooms are present in the middle. Below it, tables and chairs are situated and to the right of it a bin is placed beneath; it toilets are positioned. Let's talk about the structure of the cafe after redesign, we have hot meals section in the north west side. In the middle, take away food and coffee bar has been established. Below it's right, recycling bin is in use. On it's left, sealed bar is present. Moreover, below the sealed bar barbecue section is located with an outdoor seating.
To summarise this, today's model has many changes compared to the recent model; however, the placement of kitchen, tables, chairs and toilets are on the same direction.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the two plans, identifying key changes such as the introduction of the hot meals section and the outdoor seating area. However, the summary is somewhat superficial. The overview is weak, as it fails to highlight the most significant transformations, such as the shift from a staff-focused layout to a more customer-oriented, multi-functional space. Furthermore, the final sentence contains a factual inaccuracy, claiming the kitchen and toilets remain in the same direction, which is not clearly supported by the visual data. To improve, focus on grouping features logically and providing a more analytical overview of the changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into three paragraphs, which is appropriate for this task. However, the flow of information is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices like 'Moreover' and 'To summarise this' is present but feels repetitive. The referencing is occasionally unclear; for instance, the phrase 'below it's right' is confusing and lacks a clear antecedent. The progression of ideas within the second paragraph is slightly disjointed, moving between different areas of the cafe without a clear spatial logic. Improving the use of cohesive devices and ensuring clear spatial references would enhance the logical flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There is a reliance on basic descriptive language such as 'located', 'placed', and 'present'. Some word choices are imprecise or incorrect, such as 'sealed bar' (likely referring to a 'salad bar') and 'recent model' (which is an inappropriate term for a map/plan). There are also minor errors in word formation and collocation. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more specific vocabulary related to architectural changes and spatial descriptions, such as 'relocated', 'transformed', 'adjacent to', or 'situated in the vicinity of'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but accuracy is inconsistent. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with apostrophes ('it's' used instead of 'its') and prepositions ('on the same direction' should be 'in the same position'). Some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'a bin is placed beneath; it toilets are positioned', which lacks proper punctuation and clarity. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar and punctuation prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct prepositional usage will be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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