Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-26

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 given diagram illustrates the plans of farm site in the year of 1950 as compared to today.

Overall, major changes can be observed from the above diagram of beechwood farm in similar space of area.

In detail, in 1950 Road passed through river in the west as it remains similar today, the area for sheep has been divided into four parts via camping field, parking near the road side along with solar panels in the north. However ,additional parking also been added to the east. Moreover, track transform to road between the beechwood farm.

Furthermore, the farm shop newly constructed in the corner of the fruit tees beside the road. soft fruits and vegetables in farm remain same. In south barn has been rebuilt near chickens and farmhouse area as old barn has been constructed to holiday cottages in the east , opposite side of the parking.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While you have identified some key features, the description is somewhat disjointed and lacks a clear, analytical overview of the most significant changes. For instance, the transformation of the farm into a more commercial site (holiday cottages, shop, parking) is mentioned, but the overall trend of development is not clearly synthesized. Some details are also confusing, such as the reference to the road passing through the river, which is not clearly supported by the visual data. To improve, ensure you provide a more structured summary that highlights the most prominent changes rather than listing features in isolation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay lacks a logical flow between sentences and paragraphs. While you use some cohesive devices like 'Overall' and 'Furthermore', the transitions between ideas feel mechanical and sometimes confusing. The paragraphing is insufficient; the response is essentially one long block of text, which makes it difficult for the reader to follow the progression of changes. To improve, group related information together—for example, one paragraph for the original layout and another for the modern developments—and use a wider variety of linking words to connect your observations more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. You rely on basic descriptors like 'remains same' or 'rebuilt'. There are also some awkward collocations and phrasing, such as 'track transform to road' and 'fruit tees' (likely a typo for trees). To reach a higher band, focus on using more sophisticated vocabulary to describe spatial changes, such as 'converted into', 'replaced by', 'expanded', or 'demolished'. Ensure you proofread for spelling errors, as these can distract the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, particularly regarding article usage ('in the year of 1950', 'in south barn') and verb tense consistency. Several sentences are fragmented or lack necessary prepositions, such as 'old barn has been constructed to holiday cottages', which should be 'converted into'. While you attempt some complex structures, the control is inconsistent, leading to sentences that are difficult to parse. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions for spatial description will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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