Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)
The plans depict the structural and functional re-layout of a college cafe before its redevelopment and in its current configuration.
Overall, the cafe has undergone significant modernization aimed at diversifying its food service points and expanding seating capacity, most notably through the addition of an outdoor dining area.
Regarding food and beverage counters, the original singular serving area for all food and drink has been specialized exclusively into a hot meals counter. To complement this, a new salad bar has been installed along the western wall. Furthermore, the two former staff dining rooms positioned along the northern boundary have been demolished and redeveloped into dedicated counters for takeaway food and a coffee bar.
In terms of seating and external infrastructure, the core indoor area for tables and chairs remains unchanged. However, a major extension has occurred along the southern perimeter, where an outdoor seating area and an adjoining barbecue facility have been constructed. Finally, in the eastern corner, the toilets remain in their original location, whereas the single bin adjacent to the main east exit has been replaced by larger recycling bins.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The student provides a fully developed and accurate summary of the changes shown in the two college cafe plans. All key features are effectively covered, including the conversion of the single serving area into a hot meals counter, the replacement of the staff dining rooms with takeaway food and coffee bar facilities, the addition of a salad bar and recycling bins, and the major exterior development of an outdoor seating area and barbecue. A clear and natural overview is provided in the second paragraph, capturing the main trends of modernization and seating expansion. The response satisfies all requirements of Task 1 comprehensively and accurately.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is exceptionally well-organized and easy to follow. Ideas are logically sequenced, beginning with an introductory overview, followed by food and beverage counters, and concluding with seating and external infrastructure. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group related features. Cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'Furthermore', and 'In terms of' are handled flexibly and without mechanical repetition, resulting in smooth progression and clear logical links throughout the essay.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The candidate demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an Academic Task 1 response. Advanced and precise collocations are used effectively, such as 'structural and functional re-layout', 'diversifying its food service points', and 'demolished and redeveloped'. Word choice is mature and accurate, with no noticeable errors in spelling, word formation, or collocation. The vocabulary choices elevate the quality of the report significantly.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The student displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures executed with a high degree of accuracy. Sentences such as 'Regarding food and beverage counters, the original singular serving area... has been specialized exclusively into a hot meals counter' showcase excellent control over subordinate clauses and passive voice constructions. The majority of sentences are error-free, and any minor slips are virtually non-existent, demonstrating a command of grammar typical of a high-band script.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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