Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-24

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The plans below show the site of a farm in 1950 and the same site today.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.



 

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Overall, the farm has changed significantly over the years. While the areas used for growing fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables have remained the same, several new facilities have been added, making the farm more suitable for tourism and modern use.

In 1950, the farm mainly focused on agriculture. Fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables were grown in the western part of the site, while a large area in the northeast was used for keeping sheep. There was also a barn, a farmhouse, and an area for chickens. Tracks connected different parts of the farm to the main road.

Today, many changes can be seen. The sheep field has been replaced by solar panels, a camping field, and two car parks. A farm shop has been built near the entrance, while the old barn has been converted into holiday cottages. In addition, a new barn has been constructed in the centre of the farm, and the former tracks have been upgraded into roads. However, the farmhouse, the chicken area, and the land used for growing crops have remained unchanged.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have successfully identified the main features of the farm in 1950 and compared them with the current layout. The overview provides a clear summary of the transformation, and the body paragraphs logically detail the specific changes, such as the conversion of the barn and the addition of tourism-related facilities. You have made relevant comparisons throughout, ensuring the reader understands the transition from an agricultural focus to a more diversified site. The information is accurate and well-selected, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction followed by two distinct body paragraphs—one for the past and one for the present. The progression of ideas is smooth, and you have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In 1950', 'Today', 'In addition', and 'However', to guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the time periods, which enhances the overall readability. The structure is coherent, and the relationship between the different parts of the farm is clearly articulated throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes accurately. Terms such as 'converted', 'upgraded', 'constructed', and 'diversified' (implied by the context of tourism) demonstrate a good command of language. The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic report. While the range is solid, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or topic-specific synonyms could elevate the response further. There are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, and the tone remains consistently formal and objective throughout the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of passive voice ('has been replaced', 'has been converted') and subordinate clauses ('While the areas... have remained the same'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to support the flow of information. You demonstrate strong control over verb tenses, particularly the present perfect for describing changes over time. The grammatical accuracy is high, and the structures used are appropriate for the task, contributing to a clear and professional presentation of the data.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.