Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-02

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 7.0)

The given map depicts a cafeteria of a college before and after its redesign.

Overall, it is readily apparent that this particular layout has undergone various significant modifications, such as a new outdoor seating area, a takeaway corner, and a coffee bar. However, the main seating area, toilets, and kitchen remained unchanged.

Delving deeper into the details, before the modification there was no outdoor seating area, but after the development, one was constructed to the south of the cafe, which also includes a barbecue corner. Furthermore, the main seating area and toilets, which were inside the cafe, remained untouched, but a new salad bar was introduced on the western side after the development. The cafe changed the waste-disposal method by adapting the use of recycling bins instead of a bin that was previously used.

In contrast, the serving area, which previously served all food and drink, is changed into a hot meals corner; however, the kitchen remained unchanged. Moreover, the staff dining rooms are converted into a takeaway food corner and a coffee bar. Last but not least, all the entrances are the same except a new entrance was added adjacent to the barbecue.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response successfully covers all key features of the college cafe before and after its redesign. You provide a clear overview in the second paragraph mentioning major modifications like the outdoor seating, takeaway corner, and coffee bar, while noting what remained untouched, such as the kitchen and toilets. The body paragraphs effectively compare the changes, highlighting the new salad bar on the western side, the conversion of staff dining rooms into a takeaway and coffee bar, and the introduction of recycling bins. To reach the highest band levels, some descriptions could be slightly more detailed regarding spatial relationships, but the response thoroughly addresses all parts of the prompt with well-selected information and clear comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

Your writing demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The response is divided into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introduction and a strong overview, followed by well-structured body paragraphs that delve into specific spatial changes. You use cohesive devices and transition phrases effectively, such as 'Overall, it is readily apparent', 'Delving deeper into the details', and 'In contrast', which guide the reader smoothly through the comparison. Referencing is generally clear, and paragraphing is used appropriately. To achieve an even higher band, you could aim for even more seamless transitions that avoid slightly formulaic markers, ensuring that cohesion feels entirely natural and unobtrusive.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use an adequate and generally precise range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms related to maps and modifications, such as 'layout', 'modifications', 'unaltered', and 'redevelopment'. There are successful attempts at less common vocabulary items like 'waste-disposal method' and 'barbecue corner'. Word choice is generally appropriate, though there are minor slips in collocation and style, such as 'adapting the use of recycling bins instead of a bin that was previously used', where phrasing could be more concise and natural. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, and communication is never impeded by lexical errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response shows a good variety of complex sentence structures and features a high proportion of error-free sentences, which is characteristic of this band level. You handle complex clauses well, as seen in sentences like 'the main seating area and toilets, which were inside the cafe, remained untouched, but a new salad bar was introduced'. Control of grammar, verb tenses, and punctuation is strong throughout the text, allowing for clear communication of past and present states. A few minor stylistic awkwardnesses persist, but there are no major grammatical errors that impede understanding or disrupt the flow of your writing.

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

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