Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-01

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 5.0)

The plan illustrates the structure of the beech wood farm in 1950 and now what changes have comes in it. So, actually it shows the difference between 1950 farm and current farm.

First of all, I starting from 1950 farm, on coming from road I saw a river, after crossing it I saw a fruit trees, turn left side, there is a track on the left side there was sheep and right side was consisting fruit trees, soft fruits and vegetables. Turn slightly on right side, there are chickens, farmhouse and after turning left side there is barn.

Now, farms have many changes, firstly the river is same then after turning right side, on the left side there is a parking area and also a camping field and on the right side there is a farm shop, fruit trees, soft fruit and vegetables. After turning slightly on the left side there is a barn and also there are chickens. Turn on left side there is a farmhouse holiday cottages and turn on right side there is a parking area and solar panels.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response identifies the main features of the farm in 1950 and the present day. However, the description is overly narrative and relies on a 'tour guide' style (e.g., 'on coming from road I saw...'), which is not appropriate for an academic report. While the key changes are mentioned, the comparison is not analytical; it lacks a clear overview of the most significant transformations, such as the shift from agricultural production to commercial and leisure activities. To improve, focus on grouping features logically rather than describing them as a sequence of movements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organised into three paragraphs, but the progression is mechanical and repetitive. The use of cohesive devices is limited to simple sequencing words like 'firstly' and 'then'. The referencing is often unclear; for example, the phrase 'turn left side' is used repeatedly without establishing a clear spatial perspective for the reader. The lack of sophisticated linking words or varied referencing makes the text feel disjointed. Improving the use of cohesive devices to show relationships between the two time periods would significantly enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'there is' and 'there are' are used almost exclusively to describe the layout, which limits the range of expression. There is little attempt to use academic or descriptive vocabulary related to maps or urban planning (e.g., 'converted into', 'replaced by', 'situated in the north-west'). The word choice is functional but lacks the precision required for a higher band. Expanding your vocabulary to include synonyms and more precise spatial terminology will help convey information more effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The grammar is characterized by frequent errors in sentence structure and verb tense. For instance, 'I starting from 1950 farm' is grammatically incorrect, and 'what changes have comes in it' shows issues with subject-verb agreement. The sentence structures are mostly simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of sentence structures, such as passive voice for describing changes (e.g., 'The barn was converted into...'), and ensure consistent verb tense usage.

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