Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-06
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 two maps illustrate how a farm changed over time,from its orignal layout to its current state.
In the past the farm was mostly used in farming.Mostly area was used for growing vegetables,fruits, etc.A triangular track runs through the centre connecting barn and farmhouse together with chicken area near the river.
Today the sit has been develop for visitors.The triangular track was replaced by several roads connecting the city.Solar panels are adjusted in one side of the city and new farm shop has been developed.However,the location of farmhouse,chicken area was same but barn was moved a little to the side of road.Morever camping fields were developed in the side of the roads next to the parking area.The areas where vegetables and fruits are grown wre remain in the same place.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the main features of the maps. While you have identified some key changes, such as the addition of solar panels and the farm shop, the description is quite brief and lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant trends. The analysis of the changes is somewhat superficial, and the failure to reach the word count means the task is only partially addressed. To improve, ensure you provide a clear introductory summary and expand on the comparisons between the two time periods with more descriptive detail.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into two short paragraphs, which is a logical approach for a comparison task. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite limited. Phrases like 'In the past' and 'Today' help to establish a timeline, but the transition between sentences is often abrupt. The paragraphing is insufficient, and the lack of a clear, cohesive structure makes the flow of information feel somewhat disjointed. To improve, use a wider range of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') to connect your ideas more fluidly and ensure each paragraph has a clear focus.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. You rely on basic descriptors such as 'mostly used', 'developed', and 'same place'. There are also some errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'orignal' (original), 'sit' (site), and 'wre remain' (remained). To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more specific vocabulary related to map descriptions, such as 'transformed', 'converted', 'relocated', or 'remained unchanged'. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and adverbs will also help to make your writing more precise and engaging.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'Mostly area was used' (The majority of the area), 'Solar panels are adjusted' (Solar panels have been installed), and 'the location of farmhouse,chicken area was same' (the locations of the farmhouse and chicken area remained the same). Subject-verb agreement and article usage are inconsistent throughout the text. To improve, focus on proofreading for basic errors and practice using a wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as passive voice and relative clauses, while ensuring they are grammatically accurate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.