Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-05

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 image illustrates information about the changes made to the farm site, over the period of 1950 till today.

Overall, it is clear that there are exponential change to the geography of farm, a striking feature of the data is that barn location is changed to holiday cottages, and barn is relocated near the left side of farmhouse, at a glance, it is also apparent that camping field is made in sheep area, and solar panels are also added along with camping fields.

Looking at the tracks, they are converted into carpeted roads, in comparison fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables are not changed just a little farm shop is opened near the main road, and in front of this shop there is parking space, over the course period of time river as well as main road is not changed.

Turning to holiday cottages is main point for customers to visit, converting the farm look into an entrepreneurial idea, resulting in huge development in farm, and become a source of income.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the farm site, such as the conversion of the barn into holiday cottages and the addition of the camping field and solar panels. However, the response lacks a clear, analytical overview. The description of the 'tracks' being converted into 'carpeted roads' is inaccurate, as the map shows them as paved or surfaced roads, not carpeted. Additionally, the final paragraph introduces subjective commentary about 'entrepreneurial ideas' and 'income,' which is not supported by the visual data. To improve, ensure your overview highlights the most significant trends rather than listing details, and avoid speculating on the motives behind the changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally awkward. For example, the phrase 'at a glance, it is also apparent that' is a bit wordy and does not flow naturally into the next point. The transition between the description of the tracks and the farm shop is abrupt. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, avoiding the run-on sentences seen in the second paragraph.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'relocated', 'converted', and 'development'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice. Describing roads as 'carpeted' is incorrect in this context; 'paved' or 'surfaced' would be more appropriate. Additionally, 'exponential change' is an overstatement for the visual data provided. The phrase 'over the course period of time' is redundant. Focusing on more precise collocations related to map descriptions will help you move to a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. There are issues with article usage (e.g., 'barn location is changed', 'in sheep area') and subject-verb agreement. Some sentences are comma splices, such as 'the barn location is changed to holiday cottages, and barn is relocated near the left side of farmhouse'. To improve, focus on using articles correctly and ensuring that your sentences are punctuated properly. Reducing the number of comma splices will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

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

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