Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-14
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 pictorial diagram compares the old layout of a college café with its appearance after redevelopment.
Overall, the café remained relatively spacious, with the kitchen, toilets, and indoor seating area remaining in their original positions. However, several significant changes were made, including the addition of new facilities and the conversion of existing areas.
On entering the café from the east side, the simple bin on the left was replaced by a recycling bin. The staff dining rooms were converted into two separate facilities: a coffee bar and a takeaway area. In addition, the serving area, which previously accommodated all food and drinks, was redesigned to serve hot meals only. A salad bar was also added in the far west of the café, near the entrance.
The outdoor area, which had previously been an empty space, was also developed. Most of this area was occupied by outdoor seating, while a barbecue was installed on the left, close to the southern entrance.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response effectively addresses all parts of the prompt by summarising the main features of the college café before and after its redevelopment. The overview clearly highlights that while the structural footprint remained largely unchanged, significant spatial transformations occurred. Key changes are reported accurately, such as the conversion of the staff dining rooms into a coffee bar and takeaway area, the addition of a salad bar and a recycling bin, and the introduction of outdoor seating and a barbecue. The information is well-selected, and clear comparisons are made throughout the text, demonstrating a strong understanding of the visual data presented in the task instructions. This meets the criteria for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The report demonstrates a clear and logical organisation from start to finish. It begins with a well-formulated introductory paragraph, followed by a clear overall summary in the second paragraph, and detailed body paragraphs that systematically trace the layout changes from east to west and from inside to outside. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'However', 'In addition', and 'Most of this area', which guide the reader smoothly through the spatial transitions. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate general trends from specific details, ensuring the progression of information is seamless and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The student exhibits a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic report describing visual data. Less common and precise items are used appropriately, such as 'redevelopment', 'spacious', 'conversion', 'accommodated', and 'installed'. Word choice and collocation are generally accurate throughout the response. While it does not consistently reach the sophisticated control required for a Band 8 or 9, the vocabulary deployed is more than adequate to convey precise spatial changes without any noticeable impediments to communication. Spelling and lexical control are solid.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The writing displays a good variety of complex structures alongside accurate simple sentences, contributing to frequent error-free constructions. Examples of complex structures include relative clauses ('which previously accommodated all food and drinks') and participial phrases ('including the addition of new facilities'). Grammatical control is consistently strong, with appropriate punctuation and accurate verb tense usage when contrasting the past layout with current additions. Errors are virtually non-existent, and the majority of sentences are completely error-free, reflecting a high level of grammatical proficiency.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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