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 the track shifted into a road. On the right side of the road, some developments occurred in the sheep area. Both corners of the sheep area parking has been 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

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all key features of the two maps, providing a clear comparison between 1950 and the present day. You successfully identified the main changes, such as the introduction of the farm shop, camping field, solar panels, and holiday cottages, while noting what remained unchanged. The overview is clear and highlights the significant transformation of the site. To reach a higher band, ensure that spatial descriptions are more precise; for instance, instead of saying 'on the northern side of the map', you could use more specific directional language like 'in the north-west corner' or 'along the northern boundary' to better guide the reader through the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the two time periods. The progression of information is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices like 'Additionally' and 'While', though some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate for the task. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases further and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'the track', 'the sheep area') is consistently clear to avoid any ambiguity regarding the location of these features on the map.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'substantial transformation', 'remain constant', and 'undergone numerous changes'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in collocation and word choice, such as 'three different blocks such as fruit trees' (which sounds slightly unnatural) and 'the track shifted into a road'. Using more precise terminology for map features—such as 'converted into', 'replaced by', or 'situated on the periphery'—would elevate the lexical quality of your response and demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'three different blocks... were placed' (which is slightly awkward) and 'in the center side of the layout the track shifted' (missing a comma). Additionally, there are minor prepositional errors, such as 'in the northern side' instead of 'on the northern side'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, but increasing the variety of complex structures and ensuring consistent control over prepositions would help you achieve a higher score.

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

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