Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-28

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 8.0)

The two plans illustrate how the layout of a farm has changed between 1950 and the present day.

Overall, the site has been transformed significantly. In the past, it was mainly used for agricultural purposes, with large farming areas and only a few buildings. Today, the farm has become much more developed, with new buildings, better roads and modern facilities.

In 1950, the farm consisted of a farmhouse, a barn and several large fields where crops were grown or animals were kept. The buildings were connected by narrow tracks, and most of the land was used for farming. There were very few additional features, reflecting the simple layout of a traditional farm.

At present, the site looks very different. Some of the original farmland has been replaced by new buildings and improved infrastructure. Wider roads and parking areas have been added to improve access. The farmhouse has been modernised, and extra facilities have been built, suggesting that the farm now serves both agricultural and commercial purposes. Green areas have also been rearranged, giving the site a more organised and attractive appearance.

In conclusion, the farm has changed from a traditional agricultural site into a more modern and multifunctional location, while only a small part of the original farming land remains.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers the main features of the farm's transformation. You successfully identified the shift from agricultural to commercial use and noted the addition of infrastructure like roads and parking. However, to reach a higher band, you should incorporate more specific data or comparative details from the visual. For instance, mentioning the specific reduction in the number of fields or the exact location of new buildings would provide a more precise summary. The overview is clear and captures the essence of the changes well, meeting the requirements for a comprehensive report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from the past to the present. Cohesive devices such as 'In the past', 'At present', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two time periods. The flow is natural, and the relationship between ideas is consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and changes, such as 'transformed', 'infrastructure', 'modernised', and 'multifunctional'. The language is precise and fits the context of the task well. While the vocabulary is accurate and sufficient, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or topic-specific terms related to land use (e.g., 'encroached upon', 'converted into') would elevate the response further. There are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'In the past, it was mainly used for agricultural purposes, with large farming areas and only a few buildings.' The grammar is generally accurate, with consistent control over verb tenses (past simple for 1950 and present simple for today). Punctuation is used correctly to support the structure of your sentences. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the majority of your sentences are error-free, reflecting a high level of control.

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