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 some major changes that were made to the Beechwood Farm from 1950 to 2026.
It is clear that a number of major modifications were made to the farm during the whole period. The most significant change is the transformation of a sheep area which is now turned into a commercial area. These include building holiday cottages, constructed proper new road, made a place for parking, camping field and so on.
Looking at the maps in more details, we can see that proper roads were constructed which are only used by trucks at past. Beside the road there used to be fruit trees only however, at present, a new firm shop were build in the middle of road, fruit trees and the bridge. The most highlighted change was done in the sheep section. Several changes has been made during the 76 years such as four new solar panels were installed at the top-right-corner, two car parking area was build one is besides bridge and road another one is next to the solar panels. In the middle section camping was made along with one tree and two tents.
The two plans also show that barn was moved and build three holiday cottages moreover barn was placed to the center of two road beside the triangular sign also connected with both roads. Some feathers or aspects were not changed firstly chickens; chickens were in the same place; secondly farm house also in the same size and area; thirdly vegetables stations in the same place; finally soft fruits trees for example:strawberry, blueberry area remain same during the whole period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the maps, such as the transformation of the sheep area and the addition of infrastructure like solar panels and holiday cottages. However, the report lacks a clear overview, which is essential for a high band score. While the student identifies several changes, the description is sometimes cluttered with excessive detail, such as listing individual trees or tents, which detracts from the 'main features' requirement. The comparison between 1950 and 2026 is present, but the overall summary of the transformation is somewhat fragmented rather than synthesized.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or repetitive (e.g., 'firstly', 'secondly', 'thirdly', 'finally'). Some transitions are awkward, such as 'Looking at the maps in more details', and the referencing is occasionally unclear, making the flow feel disjointed. While there is a logical progression from general changes to specific details, the lack of sophisticated linking words limits the coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe the changes to the farm. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and awkward phrasing, such as 'proper new road' instead of 'newly constructed roads' and 'vegetables stations'. The student attempts to use specific terminology, but the range is limited and there are occasional errors in collocation that slightly impede the natural flow of the description.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The writing contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('a new firm shop were build', 'Several changes has been made', 'two car parking area was build') and incorrect verb tenses or passive voice constructions. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevent the response from reaching a higher band score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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