Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-17

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 5.0)

The plan and the map of kitchen shows the setting differences before and after the renovation.

Overall, kitchen resesigned the serving area, staff dining rooms, tables and chairs setting, but the bin and toilets remain same.

Before and after reshape, the enterence and outerence are same at right top corner near the bin, and roilets also at same place before and after the renovation of the kitchen room.

But the major changing seen in the sitting area and cooking room. Kitchen also at same location but changes held in serving areas, before redesign, serving area of all foods and drinks was in the kitchen but after making some changes, hot meals remains in kitchen but salad bar fit in left of the tables and chairs room. Staff dining room replaced with take away food and coffee bar areas, and major changes are held in seating, which is very good place for barbecue and other outdoor activites.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to summarise the main changes shown in the two maps, noting the modifications to the serving area, staff rooms, and the addition of an outdoor seating and barbecue area. However, the description is imprecise and contains several inaccuracies regarding the locations and features of the cafe. For instance, the text refers to the entire building as 'the kitchen' multiple times (e.g., 'the plan and the map of kitchen shows...'), which misinterprets the layout. Additionally, while an overview is attempted, it lacks clarity and precision. The response meets the minimum word count of 150 words (containing 156 words), but the development of ideas remains superficial and hindered by confusing language, corresponding to a Band 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The text is organised into four brief paragraphs, starting with an introduction and attempting an overview. However, the logical progression is frequently disrupted by awkward transitions and confusing referencing. Words like 'resesigned', 'reshape', and repetitive phrasing create a disjointed reading experience. Cohesive devices are used in a basic or mechanical manner, and the relationship between ideas is not always clear. Paragraphing is attempted, but the internal cohesion within paragraphs is weak, placing the response firmly at a Band 5.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is very limited and repetitive. Words such as 'changes', 'area', and 'room' are overused, and there are direct lexical misapplications, such as referring to the entire floor plan as 'the kitchen' and using 'outerence' instead of exit. Other spelling and word-form errors occur, including 'resesigned', 'enterence', 'roilets', and 'changing' instead of changes. Because the lexical range is narrow and noticeable errors cause some difficulty and confusion for the reader, this warrants a Band 4.5, rounded to 5.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

Grammatically, the response displays a very limited range of structures. Most sentences are simple or attempt complex forms that result in heavy structural errors, missing subjects, or faulty prepositional use (e.g., 'Before and after reshape, the enterence and outerence are same at right top corner...'). Punctuation is basic, and comma splices are present. There are frequent grammatical errors that strain comprehension, which aligns with the descriptors for Band 4.5, rounded to 5.0.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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