Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The maps illustrate how the site of Beechwood Farm has changed from 1950 and how it looks presently.

Overall, the layout of the farm site has undergone extensive redevelopment. Traditional farm area designated for sheep has been replaced with solar panels, camping field and parking lots for the visitors.

The largest area by far was dedicated to sheep, in 1950, separated by a track passing through the farm on the northeast. On the other side of the track to the southwest of the farm, there were 3 separate sections dedicated to fruit trees, soft fruits and vegetables. However, southeastern side had barn, farmhouse and chickens.

At present, the dedicated sheep area is replaced by solar panels, camping field and two dedicated parking lots for the visitors. The fruit trees section now also accommodates a farm shop. The most notable change is that the track is now replaced with a proper road. Furthermore, the barn is replaced by holiday cottages and is located at the junction of the road at almost south of the farm. However, soft fruits, vegetables section, chickens and farmhouse have retained their original position.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively summarizes the main features of the farm's transformation. You have clearly identified the key changes, such as the replacement of the sheep area with solar panels and the addition of the farm shop and holiday cottages. The overview is concise and highlights the most significant developments. You have successfully compared the 1950 layout with the present day, ensuring all parts of the prompt are addressed. To reach a higher band, ensure that all spatial descriptions are precise; for example, the mention of the barn being 'almost south' is slightly vague. Overall, the information is well-selected and reported accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that contrast the past and present. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'however', 'furthermore', and 'the most notable change is' to link your points effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the description of the 1950 site from the current site. To improve, ensure that referencing is always clear; for instance, in the final paragraph, 'is located at the junction' could be more explicitly linked to the subject (the cottages).

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'undergone extensive redevelopment', 'designated', and 'accommodates'. The vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate for the task. There are a few minor issues with collocation, such as 'traditional farm area designated for sheep', which could be phrased more naturally. You have successfully avoided repetition and used specific terminology relevant to the maps provided. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or precise descriptive adjectives to enhance the clarity of your spatial descriptions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There is good control over grammar, and most sentences are error-free. However, there are some minor errors in article usage and prepositions, such as 'on the northeast' (should be 'in the northeast') and 'at almost south of the farm'. Additionally, some sentences could be improved for flow, such as 'the barn is replaced by holiday cottages and is located at the junction of the road at almost south of the farm'. Despite these minor slips, the meaning is always clear, and the grammatical errors do not impede communication.

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

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