Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-22
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 8.5)
The maps illustrate the layout of Beechwood Farm in 1950 and its present-day configuration.
Overall, Beechwood Farm has shifted from a purely agricultural enterprise into a commercial and eco-tourism hub. While crop farming areas remain largely intact, livestock grazing has been replaced by guest accommodation, recreational facilities, and renewable energy generation.
In the northern sector, the expansive sheep field from 1950 has been eliminated to make way for a camping field and an array of solar panels. Along the western boundary, the original fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetable plots have been preserved. However, a farm shop and an adjacent parking area have been constructed near the main road to service visitors.
In the southeastern quadrant, significant structural alterations have occurred. The original barn has been relocated westward to the triangular road fork. In its place, holiday cottages and a dedicated parking lot have been built. Meanwhile, the farmhouse and chicken coop remain in their original positions, and the central tracks have been upgraded into paved roads.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully satisfies the requirements of Academic Task 1. The student provides a clear, well-developed overview outlining the fundamental shift from an agricultural enterprise to a commercial and eco-tourism hub. Key features are accurately identified and contrasted between the 1950 plan and the present day, such as the replacement of the sheep field with a camping area and solar panels, the retention of fruit and vegetable plots, and the addition of holiday cottages and a farm shop. Comparisons are naturally woven into the description, supported by precise geographical references such as 'northern sector' and 'southeastern quadrant'. No significant details are omitted, and there are no inaccuracies when checked against the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is exceptionally well-structured and easy to follow. Ideas are logically sequenced, beginning with a clear introductory statement, followed by a concise overview paragraph, and then organized spatially into the northern and southeastern sectors. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate thematic areas. Cohesive devices, such as 'While crop farming areas remain', 'However', and 'Meanwhile', are used naturally and flexibly without being obtrusive. Referencing between sentences and paragraphs is clear, ensuring seamless progression throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical resource appropriate for an academic descriptive task. Vocabulary is varied and precise, utilizing sophisticated phrasing such as 'purely agricultural enterprise', 'eco-tourism hub', 'expansive sheep field', and 'renewable energy generation'. Collocations are natural, and there are no instances of awkward word choice. The writer avoids repetitive phrasing by skillfully employing synonyms and functional terms to describe the geographical transformations on the farm site.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The response displays a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with full flexibility and accuracy. The writer successfully incorporates subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and contrasting structures, as seen in 'While crop farming areas remain largely intact, livestock grazing has been replaced by...' and 'The original barn has been relocated westward to the triangular road fork.' Grammar and punctuation are controlled flawlessly throughout the text, with no structural errors or awkward phrasing present.
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