Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-30
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 construction plan illustrates the development in Beechwood farm from year 1950 until today.
In 1950, the a big river is passing through the whole farm, while there are fruit trees, soft fruits and vegetables each area build on separate area even there are a farmhouse, barn and a chicken area also, even though their is track also which is surrounded over the whole farm.
However, while today fruit trees remain same but a farm shop is build there and soft trees and vegetables area is remain unchanged. While two separate parking area is constructed one on the top corner in the left and one of the right side even a camping field is also located in the middle of the farm. Moreover, a solar panel system is also added on the top of the right corner barn is relocated by holiday cottages and road was also build.
Overall, while comparing to year 1950 until today there was a huge development in the Beechwood farm and roads, camping fields parking and a farm shop is constructed in the farm.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the maps, such as the addition of the farm shop, parking areas, and holiday cottages. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While you mention the main changes, the comparison between 1950 and today could be more precise. For instance, you mention the river but do not describe its status today, which is a key feature. The summary is a bit repetitive, and some details, like the specific locations of the parking areas, are described in a way that is slightly difficult to follow. To improve, ensure you group features logically and provide a more cohesive summary of the overall transformation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the use of cohesive devices is often repetitive or misused. For example, the frequent use of 'even' and 'while' creates a somewhat disjointed flow. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'one of the right side', which makes it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial progression. Paragraphing is present, but the logical progression within the paragraphs could be smoother. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence builds logically on the previous one would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic descriptors like 'big', 'build', and 'same'. There are also some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'soft trees' (likely referring to soft fruit) and 'the a big river'. The range of vocabulary is limited, and there is little attempt to use more sophisticated or topic-specific terminology related to map descriptions, such as 'converted', 'extended', or 'demolished'. Expanding your vocabulary to include more precise verbs and adjectives would help you convey information more effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a high frequency of grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are frequent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'there are a farmhouse', 'two separate parking area is constructed'), article usage (e.g., 'the a big river'), and tense consistency. While you attempt some complex structures, they are often marred by errors, such as 'while comparing to year 1950 until today there was a huge development'. The sentence structures are often repetitive and lack the variety needed for higher bands. Focusing on basic grammatical accuracy, particularly subject-verb agreement and article usage, is essential for improvement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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