Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-14
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 view of Beechwood Farm in 1950, and the present structure of farm.
Overall, it's clear that Beechwood Farm had significant development by adding, Solar panels, Parking, Farm shop, Camping Field, and Holiday cottages. However, the Sheep area was abolished, and Tracks were replaced to a Road.
On north east of the map, Sheep area was converted into three different area. Solar panels were added at the right side, just below the panels Parking area was constructed. On main site of a sheep area, Camping field was constructed, and to the left, parking area was there.
On southern region of the map, Barn was replaced and attached to the Road. Tracks were changed into a Road. In addition, new area was added known as Farm shop at top of Fruit trees. Furthermore, the Holiday cottages added in place of previous Barn. Fruit trees, Soft fruits and Vegetables were remained at the same place.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| 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, identifying key changes such as the removal of the sheep area and the addition of new facilities. However, the description of the spatial layout is occasionally imprecise, such as the confusing reference to 'main site of a sheep area' and 'left, parking area'. While the overview is present, it lacks a bit of analytical depth regarding the overall transformation of the farm from a purely agricultural site to a commercial/leisure-oriented one. The summary is sufficient to meet the requirements, but more precise directional language would improve the clarity of the report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on different areas of the farm. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall', 'However', and 'In addition', though some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, although the description of the spatial changes in the third paragraph is somewhat repetitive and could benefit from more varied linking words to guide the reader through the map's layout more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using terms like 'converted', 'replaced', and 'significant development'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'the present structure of farm' (missing an article) and 'Tracks were replaced to a Road' (should be 'with a road'). The range is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptive verbs. To reach a higher band, more precise terminology for describing map changes, such as 'demolished', 'expanded', or 'transformed', would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the sheep area', 'a road') and prepositions ('On north east', 'at top of'). Some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'Fruit trees, Soft fruits and Vegetables were remained at the same place', where the passive voice is used incorrectly. While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the information, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. More attention to subject-verb agreement and article usage is needed.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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