Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-06
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 maps depict the changes of the site of a farm in 1950 and the similar farm site now.
Overall, it can be observed that, fruit trees, soft fruits, vegetables, farm house and chickens are remain same as compare to the past.
To begin with, as per the first map, the sheep noticed in North direction of the map. However, the farm lands such as fruit tress, soft fruits and vegetables located opposite side of the sheep. In addition to, these two lands separated with the track. While, the river was origins from the North-West direction to South and it turns to the South-East direction. Beside this, river a small poetry farm was observed. Additionally, the upper side of the chickens farmhouse was notified. Lastly, the barn located in the right side of the map.
It is evident that, according to the second map there are plenty of upgrades. Frist and foremost, the sheep area is replaced by the solar panels, camping fields and parking lot. In contrast, the track is also change with the road. Moreover, the West direction the holiday cottages are introduced. Meanwhile, the direction of the barn is change over the period of time. Lastly, the farm shop is open and it is located near to the main road.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the maps, but the overview is inaccurate. You stated that fruit trees, vegetables, and chickens 'remain same', which contradicts the visual evidence showing significant changes to the site layout. While you identify key developments like the solar panels and holiday cottages, the lack of accurate summarization in the overview prevents a higher score. The description of the river's path and the location of the barn is somewhat confusing, and the report would benefit from a more precise comparison between the two time periods rather than listing features in isolation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression from the past to the present. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, 'In addition to, these two lands separated with the track' is grammatically awkward and lacks a clear link to the previous sentence. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as 'Beside this, river a small poetry farm was observed', where the connection between the river and the farm is not logically established. Improved use of linking words would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks precision. You use some repetitive phrasing, such as 'the direction of the barn is change' and 'the track is also change'. There are also errors in word choice, such as 'poetry farm' (likely meant 'poultry farm') and 'upper side of the chickens farmhouse was notified'. While you attempt to use specific terms like 'solar panels' and 'holiday cottages', the overall range is limited, and the errors in word formation occasionally hinder the clarity of your descriptions.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include incorrect verb forms ('are remain same', 'is change'), missing articles ('the river was origins'), and awkward prepositional usage ('in North direction'). These errors are noticeable throughout the text. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these slips prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice for describing map changes would be highly beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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