Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29
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 6.5)
The map illustrates the changes introduced in a college cafe to make it look different from the past.
In a cursory glance, it is clearly evident that the cafe has undergone several modifications to make it more spacious and acessible. Moreover, the new layout offers a variety of new facilities as compared to the previous one.
To commence with, it can be seen that the serving area has been replaced to provide hot meals. Both of the staff dining rooms have been changed to accomodate take away food section and coffee bar. In addition, a single bin used to be present on right side of cafe near the toilets, however, it has been removed after the modifications to install new recycling bins. On the right side a salad bar has been opened in a space which was formerly empty.
Moreover, expansion of outdoor area with a enormous outside seating arrangment can be viewed to accomodate more people. A BBQ section has been installed onto the right side of the tables so individuals can enjoy variety of options. The cafe has been modified from a traditional place with limited facilities to an area offering a wide number of food and beverages options with huge a sitting space.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by summarising the main features of the college cafe before and after its redesign. Key comparisons are made, such as the transformation of staff dining rooms into a take-away food section and coffee bar, the addition of a salad bar, and the introduction of outdoor seating and a barbecue area. The overview provided in the second paragraph highlights the main trends effectively, noting increased space and facilities. However, there is a minor spatial inaccuracy in stating the salad bar is on the right side when it is actually on the western (left) wall, but overall, the information is well-selected and reported accurately against the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0
The response is logically organised into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs detailing the specific changes. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the comparison, such as 'To commence with', 'In addition', and 'Moreover'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose. The progression of ideas is clear throughout the essay, ensuring that the transitions between the previous layout and current layout are smooth and easy to follow, supporting a coherent overall arrangement.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response, employing terms such as 'modifications', 'facilities', 'accommodate', and 'redesigned'. There are some spelling and word-choice errors, such as 'acessible' instead of 'accessible', 'accomodate' instead of 'accommodate', and the phrasing 'huge a sitting space' which contains a minor word order error. Despite these occasional inaccuracies, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the message clearly, and attempts at less common lexical items are generally successful.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as passive voice constructions ('has been replaced', 'has been installed') and subordinate clauses ('so individuals can enjoy variety'). There are some grammatical errors, notably prepositional and article inaccuracies like 'on right side of cafe' (missing articles) and 'huge a sitting space'. However, these errors are relatively infrequent and do not impede communication. The majority of the sentences remain grammatically sound, showing good control over basic and intermediate structures.
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