Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-09

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 GIVEN MAPS ILLUSTRATE A COLLEGE CAFE PRESENT LOOK AND BEFORE IT WAS REDESIGNED.

OVERALL,THE COLLEGE CAFE AFTER REDESIGN HAVE MANY FACILITIES FOR THE MEALERS.

BEFORE THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE COLLEGE,THERE WAS A KITCHEN AND SERVING AREA (WHERE ALL FOOD AND DRINK WAS AVAILABLE)IN THE NORTH WEST CORNER OF THE CAFE.HOWEVER,IN THE PRESENT THE KITCHEN IS AT THE SAME PLACE WHILE SERVING AREA HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY HOT MEALS.THERE WERE STAFF DINING ROOMS IN THE NORTH OF THE CAFE.NOW WHICH HAVE BEEN CONVERTED INTO COFFEE BAR AND TAKE AWAY FOOD.THERE WERE TABLES AND CHAIRS IN THE CENTER OF THE CAFE WHICH ARE AT THE SAME LOCATION IN THE PRESENT.THERE WAS A BIN IN THE EAST OF THE CAFE.PRESENTLY,IT HAVE BECAME THE RECYCLING BIN.THERE WERE TOILETS IN THE NORTH EAST CORNER OF THE CAFE WHICH ARE AT THE SAME PLACE IN PRESENT.NOW THERE ARE NUMEROUS FACILITIES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CAFE SUCH AS BARBECUE,OUTDOOR SEATING AND SALAD BAR

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the cafe redesign, including the changes to the kitchen, serving area, and the addition of new facilities in the south. You provided a clear overview and made relevant comparisons between the two plans. However, the response could be improved by grouping the information more logically—for example, by focusing on areas that remained unchanged versus those that were completely transformed. Additionally, ensure that all labels from the diagram are accurately described; for instance, the 'serving area' was replaced by 'hot meals', which is a key observation. Overall, you have covered the requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is generally coherent, and the information is presented in a logical sequence. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'however' and 'presently', to link ideas. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire body of the report is contained within one long paragraph, which hinders the flow. To improve, you should separate the introduction, the overview, and the specific details into distinct paragraphs. Furthermore, some transitions between sentences feel slightly mechanical. Improving the variety of linking words and using paragraph breaks will significantly enhance the readability and structure of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'transformation', 'converted', and 'redesigned'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'mealers' (which is not standard English) and 'present look' (which should be 'current layout'). The repetition of phrases like 'at the same place' and 'in the present' limits the sophistication of your writing. To reach a higher band, try to use more precise synonyms and avoid repetitive phrasing. Focus on using vocabulary that is specific to describing maps and changes, such as 'relocated', 'expanded', or 'remained unchanged'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

Your writing contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation. For example, there are issues with subject-verb agreement ('serving area have been replaced', 'it have became') and missing spaces after commas and periods. Additionally, some sentences are run-on or lack proper punctuation, such as 'NOW WHICH HAVE BEEN CONVERTED'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to affect the overall clarity. Focusing on basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring correct punctuation after punctuation marks will help improve your score.

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