Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-31
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 maps illustrate site of a beechwood farm in 1950 and at present.
Overall, the beechwood farm is changed a lot during time . The sheep area divided in several parts and there has been made diffrent facilities for example parking , camping and solar panels also for peple.
First of all the farm shop added in the map near the fruite trees on the road and on the other side of the road in the sheep area there has been made parking for visitors .The whole sheep area transformed in four sections the first one is solar panels on the north east corner of the figure and other one is camping field with two camps and a tree for spending time at this place and there are two parking areas added to the noth side of the road one is on east side and other is on west.
On the south side of the road where comes a triangle of the road there has beed constructed a barn on the end of road in south side and the barn first in old map was in east side of the map now it is transformed in holiday and cottages.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| 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 solar panels, camping facilities, and the conversion of the barn. However, the description is somewhat disorganized and lacks a clear overview of the most significant changes. While the student identifies specific additions, the spatial relationships are sometimes confusing (e.g., 'triangle of the road'). To reach a higher band, the response should more clearly contrast the 1950 layout with the current one, perhaps by grouping changes by theme (e.g., agricultural vs. recreational) rather than just listing them sequentially. The summary is present but could be more analytical.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the progression of ideas is often disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical or inaccurate (e.g., 'First of all', 'on the other side'). Referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial changes described. The transition between the description of the sheep area and the southern part of the farm is abrupt. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus would significantly enhance the flow of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several spelling errors (e.g., 'diffrent', 'peple', 'fruite', 'noth', 'beed') and some awkward phrasing, such as 'there has been made'. The student relies on basic descriptors and struggles with accurate collocations related to map description. To improve, the student should focus on using more precise terminology for describing changes, such as 'converted into', 'replaced by', or 'expanded', and ensure correct spelling of basic descriptive terms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect verb tenses (e.g., 'the beechwood farm is changed'), missing articles, and awkward passive voice constructions (e.g., 'there has been made diffrent facilities'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly regarding spacing and commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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