Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-25
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 8.0)
The maps compare the layout of Beechwood Farm in 1950 with its present-day arrangement.
Overall, the farm has been modernised considerably. While the areas used for growing fruit trees, soft fruits and vegetables have remained unchanged, the sheep field has been replaced by tourist facilities and solar panels. In addition, tracks have been upgraded to roads, and several new buildings and parking areas have been added.
In 1950, a large sheep pasture occupied the northern part of the farm. Fruit trees were located in the west, while soft fruits and vegetables were grown in the central and southern sections. A network of tracks connected the fields to a barn and a farmhouse in the southeast. Chickens were kept in a small enclosure nearby.
Today, the sheep field has disappeared and been replaced by a camping field and a solar-panel area. A farm shop and two parking lots have also been constructed. The original barn has been relocated south of the road junction, and holiday cottages now stand on its former site. However, the farmhouse, chicken area and crop fields remain largely unchanged.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all the key changes between the 1950 and present-day maps, including the removal of the sheep field, the addition of tourist facilities, and the infrastructure upgrades. The overview clearly highlights the main trend of modernization, and the comparison between the two periods is well-integrated. You have effectively selected and reported the main features without getting bogged down in irrelevant detail. The information is accurate and fully addresses the requirements of the prompt, demonstrating a clear understanding of the visual data provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You use paragraphing effectively to separate the overview from the detailed descriptions of the 1950 and present-day layouts. Cohesive devices such as 'While', 'In addition', 'In 1950', and 'Today' are used naturally to guide the reader through the comparison. The flow of information is smooth, and each sentence contributes to the overall coherence of the report. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking, and the structure is entirely appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'modernised', 'arrangement', 'relocated', and 'constructed'. The language is natural and fits the context of describing map changes perfectly. You avoid repetition and show a good range of vocabulary related to spatial description and development. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate, it is consistently clear and functional rather than highly sophisticated or idiomatic, which is perfectly suitable for this task type. There are no errors in word choice or collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The grammar is highly accurate throughout the response. You employ a variety of complex structures, such as passive voice ('has been replaced', 'have been upgraded', 'have been constructed') and complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('While the areas... have remained unchanged, the sheep field has been replaced...'). Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense usage—shifting between the past for 1950 and the present perfect for changes—is handled with precision, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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