Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-09

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 changes in site of the beechwood Farm which happens between 1950 and the present day.

overall, from 1950, the farm has several significant developments, some agriculture areas being replaced by modern facilities and visitor friendly place whereas some features such as river, main roads have remained changed. She area is totally changed in current map because it divided into two part one for camping and second one for solar uses.

In 1950 map there is one large field which is used for sheep, today this area divided into two different sections, they converted the first section as camping area for individuals and solar panels fitted into second section, both sections have their own parking areas. The tracks has been converted into main roads, which provides a better access to the farm area.

On the other hand, left part of the map has some changes, the area which is used for fruit trees, soft fruits, vegetables have remained almost the same however one farm shop has opened in the fruit trees area and the area where is place for barn, farmhouse and chickens, miner changes happens as barn area is replaced by holidays cottages for visitors and new barn area constructed near the chickens area where the main road have directly access to the barn whereas some areas remained unchanged such as farmhouse, chickens.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview of the changes, identifying the main trends such as the conversion of agricultural land into camping and solar facilities. You successfully highlight the key differences between the 1950 and current layouts. However, the report could be improved by being more precise with terminology; for instance, describing the 'left part' is less professional than using directional language like 'the western section'. While you cover the main features, some descriptions of the changes—such as the barn relocation—are slightly confusing. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are explicitly linked to the specific areas shown on the map.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on different sections of the farm. You use some cohesive devices like 'On the other hand' and 'whereas' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and punctuation errors, such as the run-on sentences in the second paragraph. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to track which specific area is being discussed. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear transitions between sentences would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'significant developments', 'converted', and 'facilities'. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and minor errors, such as 'miner changes' (minor) and 'visitor friendly place'. Some phrasing is repetitive, and the lack of precise geographical terminology limits the sophistication of the response. To improve, focus on using more academic collocations and ensuring that spelling is accurate throughout the text. Expanding your vocabulary to include more descriptive terms for spatial changes would also be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt to use complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement and tense consistency (e.g., 'the map illustrates the changes... which happens' should be 'happened'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with several comma splices and missing articles. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to impact the clarity of your writing. Focusing on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy and refining your use of verb tenses will help you achieve a higher score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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