Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The plan compares the beechwood farm site in 1950 and same place now.
Overall, the farm site has been developed significantly by constructing shops, farmhouses, cottages, parking, solar panels.
The main major advancements are made around the track. The area in the north side was converted from sheep land to camping field in the middle with parking attached to the road. Another development was solar panels installation with parking facility above the camp field.
Furthermore, the track was modified to road. Towards the roads right side fruits tress, soft fruits, vegetables remained in same location but a farm shop was placed just below the road in fruit tress area. Additionally, the roads at the center were extended towards barn which was moved from right south-east location.
Chickens, farmhouse remained in the same place but barn was replaced by holiday cottages.
Not many changes were implemented outside the main road and river, still now it is a baren land.
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, such as the conversion of land for camping, the addition of solar panels, and the modification of the track into a road. However, the report lacks precision in describing locations and changes. For example, the description of the barn being 'moved' is inaccurate based on the visual evidence, as the original barn was replaced by cottages. Furthermore, the overview is somewhat list-like and could be more analytical by grouping the changes into themes (e.g., agricultural vs. recreational). While all parts of the task are addressed, the lack of clear, accurate spatial referencing prevents a higher score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is generally coherent, with a logical progression from an overview to specific details. Paragraphing is used, though the paragraphs are somewhat short and fragmented. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Additionally', and 'Overall' are used to link ideas, but the flow is occasionally mechanical. Referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the sentence 'the roads at the center were extended towards barn which was moved from right south-east location', where the spatial relationship is difficult to follow. Improved use of referencing and more sophisticated linking would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe the changes (e.g., 'converted', 'modified', 'installation'). However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and minor errors, such as 'fruits tress' (fruit trees), 'right side' (instead of eastern side), and 'baren land' (barren land). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptive terms. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise geographical and descriptive terminology, such as 'situated in the eastern quadrant' or 'replaced by'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, including missing articles ('in the north side', 'in fruit tress area') and awkward phrasing ('same place now', 'still now it is a baren land'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. The student demonstrates an attempt at complex structures, but control over these is inconsistent. Focusing on article usage and prepositional accuracy would significantly improve the clarity and professional tone of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.