Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-22

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 maps illustrate the layout of a college cafe before and after a major redesign.

Overall, the cafe underwent significant structural transformations, most notably the expansion of dining spaces with the addition of outdoor areas and a reorganisation of the interior facilities.

Looking at the details, the main kitchen at the northern end remains unchanged in size and location, though the previous serving area has been converted specifically for hot meals. A major change on the eastern side is that the two staff dining rooms have been replaced by a take-away food counter and a coffee bar.

Furthermore, a new salad bar has been introduced along the western wall, adjacent to a newly built outdoor barbecue area. Along the exterior bottom boundary, brand-new outdoor seating has been added. On the eastern side, the original small bin has been expanded into a larger recycling and bins area. Meanwhile, the central tables and chairs area and the toilets in the bottom-right corner experienced no alterations in their dimensions or positions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by summarizing the main features of the college cafe before and after the redesign and making clear, relevant comparisons. An appropriate overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting the significant structural transformations, such as the expansion of dining spaces and interior reorganisation. Key details like the addition of the salad bar, the coffee bar, the take-away counter, and the outdoor seating and barbecue areas are accurately reported and well-supported by the visual data. The student demonstrates a clear understanding of the maps without including any irrelevant information or misinterpreting the source material.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory overview, moves to interior changes, and concludes with exterior and remaining features. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the redesign. Cohesive devices are handled effectively, using phrases such as 'Overall', 'Looking at the details', 'Furthermore', and 'Meanwhile' to guide the reader smoothly through the comparison of the two maps. Referencing is clear throughout, and information flows naturally from one sentence to the next without mechanical over-use.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for an academic task, employing precise terms such as 'structural transformations', 'reorganisation', 'adjacent', and 'alterations'. There is a good attempt to vary the language used to describe changes instead of repeating the same verbs. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, and spelling is correct throughout. While it occasionally reaches for less common lexical items, it maintains natural control, enabling smooth communication of the visual data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation, utilizing a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Complex sentences, such as 'though the previous serving area has been converted specifically for hot meals' and 'while the central tables and chairs area and the toilets in the bottom-right corner experienced no alterations', are handled with good accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is managed well throughout. Grammatical errors are practically non-existent, reflecting a solid command of sentence architecture.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.