Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-11
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 diagrams compared the the data of farm from 1950 to present time.
The area which is specified for sheep in 1950 is now total used for other purposes.
In first diagram the large area is specified for sheep on the top of the diagram. On the upper left side the main road is present. The track is present in the middle of the diagram which connect with the main road from left side. On the lower left of the track the area is divided into three parts for fruit trees, soft fruits and for vegetables. On the lower right side of the track there is barn, farm house and area for chicks is specified. At the bottom of the diagram the river is present on which there is also a bridge is present.
In the second diagram the area which is specified for sheep in first is now replaced with parking camping field and for solar panels. The track is now changed with proper road. The main road is passing through the same point but now track is changed with the proper road. At the lower all the area is used for same with addition of holiday cottages.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response provides a basic overview of the changes, but it lacks a clear 'overview' paragraph that highlights the most significant trends, such as the shift from agricultural use to commercial/leisure use. While you identified some changes, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a comparative analysis. For example, you mention the sheep area was replaced, but you do not synthesize the overall transformation of the site effectively. To improve, ensure you group features logically and provide a clear summary of the main differences between the two time periods in the introduction or a dedicated overview paragraph.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'In first diagram' and 'In the second diagram' are used to transition, but the internal flow within paragraphs is disjointed. There is a lack of linking words to connect ideas (e.g., 'furthermore', 'conversely', 'in contrast'). Additionally, some sentences feel like a list of features rather than a cohesive description of a map. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would significantly enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. You frequently use the word 'specified' and 'present', which limits the precision of your description. There are also some minor errors in word choice, such as 'total used' instead of 'totally used' or 'entirely used'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to map descriptions, such as 'converted into', 'transformed', 'replaced by', or 'situated in the northern section'. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and adjectives will help you convey information more effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with articles ('the the data', 'the main road is present'), subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure (e.g., 'the track is now changed with proper road'). The range of structures is limited, relying mostly on simple sentences. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice, which are essential for describing map changes. Additionally, proofreading for basic article usage and prepositional accuracy will help reduce the frequency of errors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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