Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-07

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 map illustrates the development that took place on the site of Beechwood Farm in 1950 and the same site today.

Overall, the layout underwent substantial transformation with several new facilities replacing older structures and the original farm buildings.

In 1950, on the northern side of the map three different blocks such as fruit trees, soft fruits and vegetables were placed. While in the center of the layout there was a track. On the right side of the track, there was a sheep area. In the eastern side of the map, a barn, farmhouse and chicken areas were located. Additionally, there was a river on the boundary of the park.

Today the farm has undergone numerous changes. In the northern side of the map, there is a farm shop added in the fruit trees block. While soft fruits and vegetables remain constant. In the center side of the layout track shifted into road. On the right side of the road, some developments in the sheep area. Both corners of the sheep area parking has constructed. Camping field and solar panels are new features. Furthermore in the southern side of the map, holiday cottages are the new change. While farmhouse and chickens remain unchanged. Additionally, the river is still the same on the boundary of the farm.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion6.5
Lexical Resource6.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.0
Overall6.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all key features of the maps, including the changes in land use and the addition of new facilities. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as the shift from agricultural focus to a mix of leisure and commercial use. However, the description of the 1950 layout is slightly cluttered, and some comparisons could be more explicit. For instance, while you mention the 'farm shop' and 'holiday cottages', linking these more clearly to the removal or modification of previous structures would strengthen the analysis. Overall, the response provides a clear overview and sufficient detail to meet the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the two time periods. The progression of ideas is clear, and you use cohesive devices such as 'In 1950', 'Today', 'While', and 'Additionally' to link information. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be more precise; for example, 'the center side of the layout' is a bit awkward. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow, which is a key requirement for this band.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'substantial transformation', 'facilities', and 'remain constant'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'three different blocks such as fruit trees' (which is slightly unnatural) and 'parking has constructed' (which should be passive voice). To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to map description, such as 'situated on the northern periphery' or 'underwent extensive redevelopment'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey meaning clearly, but lacks the sophistication required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you successfully use some complex sentences, there are recurring grammatical errors that affect the flow. For example, 'parking has constructed' is a passive voice error (should be 'parking has been constructed'), and 'In the center side of the layout track shifted into road' lacks necessary articles ('the track shifted into a road'). Additionally, some prepositions are misused, such as 'in the northern side' (should be 'on'). Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the grammar does not impede communication.

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

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