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 shows the site of Beechwood farm in 1950 and what it looks like today. The roads and river have been same as it was in 1950, size and shape both are similar. In 1950 only tracks were made but now proper roads are built to travel from one place to another and also parking spaces are given as well.
Furthermore, Today fruit trees and farm shop are built, in 1950 it was only fruit trees, soft fruits and vegetables. The tracks which are roads now, divide the farm in two portions in which left portion is filled with sheep and on the right in 1950 it was fruit trees, soft fruits, vegetables, Barn, Farmhouse and Chickens. Due to further developments sheep are removed and now solar panels and camping fields along with the parking spaces are developed. Whereas the Barn, Chickens, Farmhouse and additional Holiday cottages are built for people to stay so greater improvements have been done.
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 farm site in 1950 and today. However, the description is somewhat confusing and lacks a clear overview. For instance, the statement that 'roads and river have been same' is inaccurate, as the map shows significant changes to the track layout and the addition of new infrastructure. The comparison between the two time periods is present but lacks precision, particularly in the way the spatial layout is described. To improve, you should provide a clear summary of the most significant changes (e.g., the transition from a purely agricultural site to one incorporating tourism) and ensure that the details provided are factually aligned with the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into two paragraphs, which is a logical approach. However, the progression of ideas within the paragraphs is often disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'in 1950' and 'now'. Referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when describing the 'left portion' and 'right portion' of the farm, which makes it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial changes. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each sentence flows naturally from the previous one would significantly enhance the clarity of your report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic descriptors like 'proper roads', 'greater improvements', and 'filled with'. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'tracks which are roads now', which is slightly contradictory. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more specific terminology related to map descriptions, such as 'converted into', 'replaced by', 'extended', or 'demolished'. Expanding your range of synonyms for change and development will help you describe the visual information more effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'The roads and river have been same as it was' contains subject-verb agreement issues and incorrect tense usage. Additionally, there are punctuation errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'in which left portion is filled with sheep'. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles would lead to more accurate and professional-sounding sentences.
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.