Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-29

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 5.5)

In the given diagram we can see two different map of the cafe of collage then and now after redesigning. The cafe had vital changes on each side of the place for exemple the kitchen was only for all food types and drink but now there are a large variety of hot meals and after that we can see salad bar on the left side of the building thats also new for the cafe. But also now there are several new sections like coffee bar and take away food section instead of staff dining rooms. However there are also changes on the right side place the bins has been upgraded and now they can be recycled. Meanwhile the outside has changed significantly due to there is new barbecue area and outdoor seating tables are now availble and students can relax from that vibe too. IN overall the changes are vital not just small upgrades and they have very usefull points for cafe and so on the changes are vital enough and the redesigned version is better as well.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify several important changes, including the new salad bar, coffee bar and takeaway section replacing the staff dining rooms, recycling bins, and the addition of outdoor seating and a barbecue. These details are relevant and broadly match the plans. However, the overview is expressed mainly as a judgement that the redesign is “better” and has “vital” changes, rather than clearly summarising the main spatial developments. Some details are also unclear: the original serving area is described as being “only for all food types and drink,” and the kitchen’s role is not shown to have changed. To strengthen the response, distinguish the unchanged features, such as the kitchen, central tables and toilets, from the new facilities, and describe their locations more precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response follows a generally understandable sequence, moving from changes on the left to the right and then outside. Linking expressions such as “However” and “Meanwhile” help signal contrasts. Nevertheless, the writing is presented as one long paragraph, and the progression is weakened by repeated or loosely connected phrases, especially the ending: “the changes are vital enough and the redesigned version is better as well.” Some references, such as “after that” and “from that vibe,” do not clearly connect one feature to the next. Organise the report into a brief overview and separate paragraphs for internal and external changes. Use linking words only where they express a clear relationship between the features.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant vocabulary for describing the redesign, including “sections,” “recycled,” “outdoor seating,” and “barbecue,” so the main changes can be understood. However, word choice and spelling are often inaccurate or informal, and several expressions are imprecise for a map report. For example, “vital changes” and “better” give an opinion rather than describing the plan, while “from that vibe” is unclear. There are also spelling errors such as “collage,” “exemple,” and “availble.” Aim for precise location and change vocabulary, such as “along the western wall,” “was replaced by,” and “was added,” and check spelling before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt to combine ideas using clauses and contrast, as in “However there are also changes on the right side place,” but control of these structures is inconsistent. Errors include “two different map” instead of a plural form, “the bins has” instead of subject–verb agreement, and “due to there is” where the clause structure is faulty. Articles and sentence boundaries also need attention; for example, “a large variety of hot meals” does not clearly describe the plan, and the final sentence runs several ideas together. Use a mix of clear simple sentences and carefully formed complex sentences. Check plural agreement, articles, and punctuation, and avoid joining multiple claims with “and” when a full stop would make the meaning clearer.

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