Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-16
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 campare the changes that took place on beechwood farm from 1950 to present day.
Overall, the farm undergoes significant changes, transfering from traditional to tourist attraction by adding new facilition such as camping field and holiday cottages.
In 1950, the form contained fruit trees, soft fruits and vegetables fields along the river. A relatively large area for sheep breading covered the northern side of the farm. Furthermore, A barn ,a farmhouse and chickens area were located on the south easten corner.
In presend day, the farm completely shifted to a tourist spot. A camping field with big trees had been built for the visitors to experience rural living. Solar panels have placed for the purpose for renewable energy. A parking space also added in the corner adjacent to main road and another one with the solar panels . For accomodating tourists, Holiday cottages has construted. However, fruit trees, soft fruits and vegetables are remain on their place along side farmhouse and chickens.
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, identifying the shift from agricultural use to tourism. You successfully highlighted key additions like the camping field, holiday cottages, and solar panels, while noting what remained. However, the report lacks a clear comparison of the scale of change; for instance, the sheep breeding area is replaced entirely, which is a significant detail. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide a more precise overview of the spatial changes and quantify features where possible, rather than just listing them. The summary is functional but could be more analytical in its description of the transformation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the two time periods. The progression of ideas is clear. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. Phrases like 'Furthermore' and 'In presend day' are used, but there is a lack of sophisticated linking words to connect the comparison between the two maps more fluidly. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but the internal cohesion within paragraphs could be improved by using more varied transition signals to link the changes described.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have an adequate range of vocabulary to describe the maps, such as 'significant changes', 'tourist attraction', and 'renewable energy'. However, there are several spelling errors ('campare', 'facilition', 'presend', 'accomodating', 'construted') and word choice inaccuracies ('sheep breading' instead of 'sheep breeding', 'chickens area' instead of 'chicken area'). These errors are noticeable and occasionally distract the reader. To improve, focus on accurate spelling and using more precise collocations related to map descriptions, such as 'situated in the northern part' or 'underwent a complete transformation'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the farm undergoes', 'Solar panels have placed', 'Holiday cottages has construted', 'are remain'). These errors are persistent throughout the text. While you attempt complex structures, the lack of accuracy in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on consistent tense usage—specifically the present perfect for changes that have occurred—would significantly improve the quality of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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