Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-27

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 illustrate the transformation of Beechwood Farm from 1950 to the present day.

Overall, the farm has evolved from a purely agricultural facility into a more modernized and tourist-friendly site. While the crop areas, farmhouse, and chicken enclosure have remained intact, livestock grazing has been phased out to make room for tourism, renewable energy infrastructure, and improved transport access.

In 1950, the eastern side of the farm featured a large field designated for sheep grazing, through which an unpaved track ran. Today, this entire area has been redeveloped: the sheep section has been replaced by a camping field, an array of solar panels, and two adjacent car parking lots. Furthermore, the central track has been upgraded into a paved road system leading to a newly constructed barn.

On the western and southern sides, several original features remain untouched, including the fields for fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables, as well as the farmhouse and chicken coop in the southeast. However, new amenities have been added nearby. A farm shop was built within the fruit tree zone, and the original 1950 barn located just north of the farmhouse has been replaced with modern holiday cottages for visitors.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified the main features of the maps and provided a clear overview of the transformation from an agricultural site to a modernized, tourist-oriented one. You effectively highlight key changes, such as the replacement of sheep grazing with tourism infrastructure and the upgrading of the track. Comparisons between 1950 and the present are made throughout, ensuring all parts of the task are addressed. The information is well-selected, and the report is logically structured, making it easy for the reader to follow the spatial changes over time.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group information by location (eastern side vs. western/southern sides). Cohesive devices such as 'While', 'Furthermore', and 'However' are used effectively to link ideas and contrast the two time periods. Paragraphing is used skillfully to separate the general overview from the specific details, and the progression of information is smooth and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and changes. Phrases like 'phased out', 'renewable energy infrastructure', and 'redeveloped' are used accurately and naturally. The language is sophisticated and contributes to a professional tone. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the task of describing geographical and functional changes over time.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex structures, such as passive voice ('has been replaced', 'was built') and subordinate clauses ('while the crop areas... have remained intact'), with high accuracy. Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence flow. The sentences are almost entirely error-free, and the range of structures used is sufficient to convey the information clearly and effectively.

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

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