Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-08

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 7.5)

The two diagrams compare the layout changes in a college cafe before and after its renovation.

Overall, the cafe has become more modern and convenient. Several new food service areas were added, while the staff dining rooms were replaced by takeaway food and a coffee bar. In addition, outdoor seating, barbecue and recycling bins were introduced.

Before the redesign, the kitchen was located in the top left corner, with one serving area for all food and drinks in front of it. On the right side, there was one bin near the entrance, and the toilets were in the bottom right corner.

After the redesign, the kitchen remained in the same place, but the serving area was replaced by a hot meals counter. The two staff dining rooms were removed and changed into a take-away food section and a coffee bar. Additionally, a salad bar and a barbecue area were also added on the left side of the café. Furthermore, the main seating area inside stayed in the centre, while a new outdoor seating area was built at the front of the café. Finally, the single bin was replaced with recycling bins, although the toilets remained in the same location.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have provided a clear and accurate summary of the main features of the cafe redesign. You successfully identified the key changes, such as the addition of the hot meals counter, the coffee bar, and the outdoor seating area. The overview is well-constructed, highlighting the shift toward a more modern and functional space. You covered all parts of the task effectively, including comparisons between the 'before' and 'after' states. The information is well-selected, and you avoided unnecessary detail while ensuring the reader understands the transformation. This is a strong, focused response that meets all the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from an introduction and overview to specific details of the layout. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the 'before' and 'after' descriptions. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Before the redesign', 'After the redesign', and 'Furthermore' to guide the reader through the information. The flow of ideas is natural and easy to follow. The referencing is clear, and the relationship between the different areas of the cafe is well-managed throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and plans. Phrases such as 'layout changes', 'renovation', 'replaced by', and 'remained in the same location' are used accurately. You successfully incorporate specific terminology related to the cafe's features, such as 'hot meals counter', 'salad bar', and 'recycling bins'. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to the clarity of your report. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms for 'changed' or 'added' could elevate the response further.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as 'Before the redesign, the kitchen was located in the top left corner, with one serving area for all food and drinks in front of it.' Punctuation is accurate, and there are very few errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication at all. The use of passive voice where appropriate (e.g., 'was replaced', 'were added') is well-handled and suits the formal tone of an academic report.

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