Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-17

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 diagram illustrates the layout plan of the Beechwood farm in the year 1950 and its current structure.

Overall, there has been significant redevelopment, covering the earlier space with more facilities. The modifications include commercial structures such as a farm shop, tourist attraction activities and accommodation like holiday cottages and camping fields, and the technological advancements such as solar panels. However, the area designated for soft fruits, vegetables, chickens, and the farmhouse has stayed unchanged.

In the year 1950, the farm had more space. Between the track and the river, the three sections were allocated for fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables. On the western side of the farm, just below the track, is the area for the barn, and just below it is a farmhouse. Between the farmhouse and the point where the river bends, chickens are kept there. Above the track, in the north direction, is the area for sheep.

Currently, the same track is used as a road, with parking lots on the left side of the starting point and on the right side where the road ends. Both roads join in between and lead to the Barn area. On the left side, the three sections are used for fruit trees (with the addition of a farm shop), soft fruits, and vegetables. On the other side, there are three holiday cottages and, below them, a farmhouse, and chickens are kept there. Above the road, space is distributed in two parts: four solar panels and two camping fields.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The candidate successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear summary of the main features and making relevant comparisons between the 1950 map and the current layout. An effective overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting key changes such as the addition of commercial and recreational facilities alongside unchanged areas like soft fruits and the farmhouse. Key details are accurately reported, such as the conversion of the track into a road, the introduction of holiday cottages, camping fields, solar panels, and a farm shop. The response meets all requirements for Task Achievement at a Band 7 level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introduction, moves to a general overview, describes the 1950 layout, and concludes with the current layout. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different sections of the response. Cohesive devices are used effectively (e.g., 'Overall', 'However', 'In the year 1950', 'Currently'), although referencing and transitions could occasionally be smoother to achieve a higher band. Overall, the information is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suited to describing maps and changes over time, including terms like 'redevelopment', 'commercial structures', 'technological advancements', and 'designated'. There are occasional slight inaccuracies in word choice or phrasing (e.g., 'tourist attraction activities'), but these do not impede communication. Less common vocabulary is attempted with reasonable success, demonstrating sufficient flexibility for a Band 6.5 or 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The writer employs relative clauses and introductory prepositional phrases effectively (e.g., 'Between the track and the river, the three sections were allocated...'). While there are occasional minor grammatical slips or slightly awkward phrasings (e.g., 'Both roads join in between'), the majority of sentences are error-free, and grammar and punctuation do not interfere with understanding.

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

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