Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-18
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 8.5)
The two plans illustrate the changes that have taken place at Beechwood Farm between 1950 and the present day.
Overall, the agricultural areas on the western side of the farm have remained largely unchanged, while the eastern part has undergone considerable redevelopment. The sheep-grazing area has been removed, and the farm has been diversified through the addition of tourism-related facilities and solar panels.
Looking first at the features that remained unchanged, the fruit trees, soft-fruit fields and vegetable fields have retained their original positions. The river has also continued to form the southern boundary of the site. In addition, the farmhouse and chicken enclosure have remained in the same general area. However, the large area formerly used for sheep has disappeared and has been replaced by a camping field and other new facilities.
Turning to the major developments, the original network of tracks has been replaced by roads, providing access to different parts of the site. The barn has also been relocated from the eastern side to a more central position. Furthermore, a farm shop and parking area have been added near the entrance, while another parking area and several holiday cottages have been constructed in the eastern section. Finally, solar panels have been installed in the northeastern corner.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response is excellent and fully addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the retention of agricultural areas and the significant redevelopment in the east. The comparison between 1950 and the present day is clear and well-structured. You have highlighted key changes, including the removal of sheep grazing and the addition of tourism facilities and solar panels, while also noting what remained static. The overview is concise and effectively sets the stage for the detailed body paragraphs. No information is missing, and the report is well-balanced.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You use paragraphing effectively to separate the overview, the unchanged features, and the major developments. Cohesive devices such as 'Looking first at', 'In addition', 'Turning to', and 'Furthermore' are used naturally to guide the reader through the comparison. The referencing is precise, and the flow between sentences is smooth, making the information easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking, and the structure supports the overall argument perfectly.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and changes. Phrases like 'undergone considerable redevelopment', 'diversified through the addition of', and 'original network of tracks' show a high level of control. You use specific terminology such as 'agricultural areas', 'tourism-related facilities', and 'relocated' accurately. The vocabulary is not only sufficient but also sophisticated, allowing for a natural and fluent description of the site's evolution. There are no errors in word choice or collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The writing exhibits a wide range of complex structures with high accuracy. You effectively use passive voice ('has been removed', 'has been replaced', 'have been installed') which is highly appropriate for describing changes in a process or site. Sentence structures are varied, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses (present perfect for changes over time) is consistent and correct. There are no grammatical slips that impede communication.
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