Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-16
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 two plans show how Beechwood Farm has changed between 1950 and the present day.
Overall, the farm has become more developed and diversified. While the farmhouse, river and most of the areas used for growing crops and fruit have remained, the original sheep-grazing area has been replaced by facilities for camping, tourism and renewable energy. Several new roads and parking areas have also been added.
In 1950, the northern part of the farm consisted mainly of a large sheep area, with a track running along its southern edge. The farmhouse was located in the south-west, next to a chicken area, while fruit trees occupied the eastern side of the site. There were also areas for growing vegetables and soft fruit in the south-east. A barn stood near the centre of the farm, and the river ran along the western and northern boundaries.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response makes a strong start by identifying the main changes between 1950 and the present day, noting the shift toward camping, tourism, and renewable energy alongside the retention of key features like the farmhouse and river. The overview is clear and well-conceived. However, the response stops abruptly after describing the 1950 map and does not discuss the current layout shown in the second plan. Furthermore, the length check confirms that the text falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement at 143 words, resulting in an incomplete task response. Consequently, Task Achievement cannot exceed Band 5.5 due to the missing description of the present-day layout and the under-length penalty.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The writing demonstrates a clear logical organization with an introductory paragraph, a distinct overview paragraph, and a detailed description of the 1950 plan. Cohesive devices such as 'While', 'Overall', and 'In 1950' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the text. Paragraphing is handled logically, and referencing is clear throughout the available text. However, because the response is incomplete and lacks a final body paragraph detailing the present-day layout, the overall progression remains somewhat truncated. Despite this structural limitation, the sentences that are present flow logically and coherently.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student displays an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for describing a map task, using terms such as 'developed and diversified', 'retained', 'replaced', and 'occupied'. Word choices are generally natural and fit the context well, as seen in expressions like 'sheep-grazing area' and 'facilities for camping'. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While the vocabulary is effective, it lacks the broader flexibility and more sophisticated, less common lexical items required to reach higher band levels, remaining solidly at a Band 6.0 level.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The student demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures, successfully blending simple and complex sentences. Examples such as 'While the farmhouse, river and most of the areas used for growing crops and fruit have remained, the original sheep-grazing area has been replaced...' showcase a complex structure that is handled accurately. Punctuation and verb tenses are managed well throughout the response, with appropriate use of the past simple tense for the 1950 map and the present perfect for changes. The sentences are largely error-free, reflecting a solid command of grammar for this length.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.