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 containing 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 area have 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 successfully identifies the main features of the farm's transformation. You have clearly contrasted the 1950 layout with the current site, noting both the additions (farm shop, holiday cottages, solar panels) and the elements that remained unchanged (farmhouse, river). The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the overall changes. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise; for example, you mention 'some developments occurred in the sheep area' without specifying what those developments were, which leaves the reader slightly under-informed. Overall, the task is well-addressed with a clear focus on the key trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that separate the two time periods. You use cohesive devices such as 'In 1950', 'Today', 'Additionally', and 'While' to guide the reader through the comparison. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For instance, the phrase 'In the center side of the layout' is a bit repetitive in structure. Improving the variety of linking phrases and ensuring that each paragraph flows naturally into the next would enhance the coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'substantial transformation', 'remained constant', and 'undergone numerous changes'. There is an awareness of collocation, though some word choices are slightly imprecise, such as 'three different blocks' or 'the track shifted into a road'. To improve, try to use more specific terminology related to map descriptions, such as 'converted into', 'replaced by', or 'situated on the periphery'. The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but incorporating more sophisticated, less common items would elevate the score.

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 some minor grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'the track shifted into a road' (which is slightly awkward) and 'Both corners of the sheep area parking area have been constructed' (which is syntactically confusing). You have good control over basic tenses, but there is room for more variety in complex structures, such as using passive voice more effectively to describe the changes (e.g., 'The sheep area was replaced by a parking lot'). Punctuation is generally accurate, though some sentences could be refined for better flow.

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

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