Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-02
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 maps compare the layout of a farm in 1950 and in the present.
Overall, it can be seen that the farm has been through a significant modernization with the installation of solar panels, camping fields, and parking areas. In addition to that, the track in 1950 has been renovated into a road. A farm shop and holiday cottages have been added.
In detail, the north of the farm used to be used for raising sheep, whereas in the present it has been replaced to make way for solar panels located in the north-eastern corner, a camping field in the middle, and two parking areas in two corners. The site used to be separated by a track, which has been replaced by a road that is connected to a barn.
To the south of the road, after the barn was moved, holiday cottages now sit in its original place, which is in the east of the farm. To the south of it, a farmhouse and chickens have been staying in the same places without any change. Additionally, in the south-west of the farm, except for the construction of a farm shop, areas for fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables have not been changed.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response effectively covers all key features of the two maps. You have successfully identified the major changes, such as the modernization of the farm, the introduction of solar panels and holiday cottages, and the conversion of the track into a road. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the transformation. You have made relevant comparisons between the 1950 layout and the present day. The information is well-selected, and the report is accurate, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that group information by location. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use a range of cohesive devices, such as 'In addition to that', 'In detail', and 'To the south of', which help to guide the reader through the spatial changes. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the general overview from the specific details. The flow is smooth and coherent throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'modernization', 'renovated', 'construction', and 'replaced'. The word choice is generally precise and appropriate for a report on map changes. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms to describe the spatial shifts. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
You use a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The site used to be separated by a track, which has been replaced by a road'. The grammar is generally accurate, with only minor slips, such as 'chickens have been staying', which is slightly unnatural in this context. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is strong. The variety of structures used is sufficient to convey the information clearly and effectively.
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