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 two maps illustrate how Beechwood Farm has changed from 1950 to the present day.

Overall, the farm has changed a lot from a pure agricultural farm to a place for tourism and solar energy. Also, all the tracks were chaned into paved roads and new parking areas were built too.

In 1950, there was a big sheep area in the north of the farm. Near the river there were three fields for fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables. On the right side, there was a barn, a farmhouse, and a chicken area. Small unpaved tracks were connecting these places together.

Today, the sheep field is gone and is replaced by a camping field and solar panels. The original barn was moved near the chicken farm, and holiday cottages were built where the old barn used to be. A farm shop and a parking lot were constructed in the fruit tree field. The old tracks are now paved roads, and another parking lot was added next to the cottages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main features of the farm's transformation. You successfully contrast the 1950 layout with the current one, highlighting key changes such as the introduction of solar panels, holiday cottages, and the conversion of tracks into roads. The overview provides a clear summary of the transition from agriculture to tourism and energy production. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide more precise comparisons, such as noting the specific relocation of the barn or the exact positioning of the new parking areas relative to the original structures, rather than just listing the changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with a distinct introduction, overview, and body paragraphs detailing the changes. The progression of information is easy to follow, moving from the 1950 state to the present day. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'In 1950', 'Today', and 'The original barn was moved'. However, the flow could be improved by using more varied linking phrases between sentences to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Overall, the paragraphing is effective and supports the clear communication of the information provided in the maps.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'agricultural', 'solar panels', 'holiday cottages', and 'constructed'. The language is generally accurate and appropriate for describing maps. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly the use of 'area' and 'field'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise descriptive language, such as 'pasture', 'facility', or 'site', and use more sophisticated collocations to describe the changes, such as 'undergone a significant transformation' or 'replaced by'. Spelling is generally accurate, with only one minor error noted ('chaned').

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The two maps illustrate how Beechwood Farm has changed...' and 'The original barn was moved near the chicken farm, and holiday cottages were built...'. While the majority of sentences are error-free, there are occasional slips, such as the spelling error 'chaned' and some minor issues with article usage. The grammar is generally controlled and does not impede communication. To achieve a higher score, aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions or relative clauses, more consistently throughout the text.

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

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