Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-03

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 5.5)

The map illustrates the layout of Beechwood farm in 1950 and in the present time.

Overall, the farm has been modernized and diversified. The sheep area has been converted to camping area and included solar panels, whereas, fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables remained same. The tracks that pass throughout the farm has converted to roads.

In 1960, the northern area was largely occupied by the sheep and the southern area was covered with fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables along the river across it. Whereas, The east side had a farmhouse near the track junction , barn and a poultry and a track throughout the farm.

In present time, fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables remained same with an addition of farm shop and a parking opposite to it near the entrance. The large sheep area had been installed with solar panels and camping for visitors . Additionally, in the south east corner, holiday cottages has replaced barn with addition of parking opposite to it and barn has been repositioned near the junction of road. However, farmhouse and chicken area remained same as well. Moreover, the tracks has been reconstructed to roads for better access to the site.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all key features of the maps, including the modernization of the farm and the specific changes to the sheep area, barn, and tracks. You successfully identified the main trends and made relevant comparisons between 1950 and the present. However, there is a factual error regarding the date; you refer to '1960' in the second paragraph, whereas the prompt specifies '1950'. Additionally, while the overview is clear, some details are slightly repetitive, and the description of the barn's relocation could be more precise to fully capture the spatial changes. Overall, the response is well-focused and addresses the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'additionally', and 'however' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by mechanical phrasing and some awkward transitions. For instance, the transition between the description of the sheep area and the barn in the final paragraph feels slightly disjointed. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two time periods, which helps the reader follow the progression of changes. To improve, ensure that referencing (e.g., 'it', 'the latter') is used more consistently to avoid repeating nouns like 'barn' or 'farmhouse'.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'modernized', 'diversified', 'reconstructed', and 'repositioned'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'remained same' (should be 'remained the same') and 'camping area' (could be 'campsite'). You attempt to use specific terminology related to the map features, which is good. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly the use of 'remained same' and 'addition of'. Expanding your range of synonyms for 'change' or 'development' would help elevate the score. Spelling is generally accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The sheep area has been converted to...' and 'Although the farmhouse remained...'. However, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. Subject-verb agreement is inconsistent, for example: 'tracks that pass... has converted' (should be 'have been converted') and 'holiday cottages has replaced' (should be 'have replaced'). There are also missing articles, such as 'near the junction of road' (should be 'the road'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher band score. Focusing on proofreading for pluralization and article usage will be beneficial.

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