Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-24
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 two diagrams illustrate the infrastructural modifications made to a college cafe following a comprehensive layout renovation.
Overall, the cafe underwent a significant modernization process, shifting from a primarily indoor dining space to a more versatile and accessible facility. This transition was marked by the introduction of several specialized food service areas and an expansive outdoor seating zone, which effectively repurposed spaces previously designated for staff dining.
In the original layout, the kitchen was situated in the top left corner, fronted by a single, multi-purpose serving counter that handled all food and beverage transactions. The central portion of the cafe was dedicated to the main seating area. On the right-hand side, a lone waste bin was positioned adjacent to the main entrance, while the restrooms were located in the bottom right corner.
Post-renovation, while the kitchen and the restrooms remained in their original locations, the rest of the layout was completely transformed. The previous generic serving area was replaced by a dedicated hot meals counter. To maximize spatial efficiency, the two staff dining rooms were abolished to make way for a take-away food section and an integrated coffee bar. The left side of the cafe was further enhanced with the installation of a salad bar and a barbecue area. Centrally, the internal seating was preserved, but its capacity was extended via a newly constructed outdoor seating area at the front of the premises. Finally, the single waste bin was upgraded to a modern, multi-compartment recycling station to promote sustainability.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and highlighting the main features and changes between the two plans of the college cafe. Key transformations, such as the replacement of staff dining rooms with a take-away food section and coffee bar, the addition of a salad bar and barbecue area, and the introduction of outdoor seating, are accurately reported and well-integrated. The response effectively compares the past and present layouts without any significant omissions or misinterpretations of the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression from an introductory overview to specific spatial details of the past layout, followed by the post-renovation changes. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the comparison, such as 'In the original layout,' 'Post-renovation,' and 'Finally.' Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct function in the overall structure of the summary.
Lexical Resource: Band 8.0
The student demonstrates a wide, flexible, and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully throughout the text, such as 'infrastructural modifications,' 'comprehensive layout renovation,' 'spatial efficiency,' and 'multi-compartment recycling station.' Word choice and phrasing are natural, and there are no noticeable inaccuracies that detract from the fluency of the writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0
The writing exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. Sentences are well-constructed, featuring a mix of subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and passive constructions (e.g., 'spaces previously designated for staff dining,' 'the single waste bin was upgraded'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and any punctuation or structural slips are entirely absent, demonstrating excellent control over English grammar.
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.