Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-08
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 plan illustrates the site of a form in 1950 and the same site today.
As it can be seen from the picture that there are notable changes in the Beechwod Farm today. In 1950, there was only one major road, and through which one track branches which further divides into two tracks which were connected by another track. In 1950, there was a vast space where sheep were present. There was also one barn, one farmhouse and space for chickens. There was also one river which crossed the major road beneath it. Furthermore there were also Fruit trees, soft fruits and vegetables.
While today in addition with one major road there are also some other roads which were tracks in 1950. As compare to 1950, now at the place of sheep there is comping field, solor panels and parking. While at the place of Barn now it there is Holiday cottages. Barn is present at the end of junction of roads.
Another change is that in Fruit trees
there is also Farm shop now.
Overall, there are noticeable changes
in today's Beechwood Farm and of
1950's. Today's Beechwood Farm is
more occupied by different things. Subsequently
with time changes occur.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the maps, such as the transition from agricultural land to tourist facilities. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview that synthesises the most significant changes. While you identify key elements like the camping field and holiday cottages, the reporting of spatial relationships is occasionally imprecise (e.g., 'at the place of sheep'). To improve, ensure your overview highlights the most striking transformation—the shift from a working farm to a leisure site—rather than just listing individual changes. The inclusion of specific details like solar panels is good, but the overall structure needs more analytical depth to reach a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the frequent use of 'In 1950' and 'While today'. Paragraphing is present, but the final paragraph is fragmented and lacks a cohesive link to the rest of the text. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') to connect ideas more fluidly. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and that the transition between the past and present is handled with more sophisticated signposting.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher score. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'comping field' (likely a misspelling of camping) and 'more occupied by different things', which is vague. You rely on basic descriptors and struggle with accurate collocations. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology related to map descriptions, such as 'converted into', 'replaced by', or 'underwent significant development'. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and nouns will help you convey the changes more effectively and professionally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'As it can be seen from the picture that there are', 'As compare to 1950', and 'at the place of Barn now it there is'. These errors in subject-verb agreement, preposition usage, and sentence construction are noticeable. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these slips prevents the writing from being considered accurate. Focus on proofreading for basic errors and practice using more complex structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice, with greater attention to grammatical accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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