Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-26

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 map depict the structural transformation that took place in a farm between 1950 and today.

Overall, the farm underwent significant modernization, shifting from a predominantly rural zone into a commercial hub with enhanced infrastructure.

To begin, in 1950 the eastren section of the area was occupied by sheeps, while barn and farmhouse stood in the south. Moreover a track running from its north to south with a chicane in its centre. Besides, a small set of fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables are stood in north.

On the other hand, by today substantial modification had occurred. The eastren area was completely change into a camping field. In addition, solar panels and parking place was added in the south zone. Furthermore, the barn sector was completely replaced with holiday cottages and barn was shift to the west of the chicane. Additionally, farm shop and another parking lot was buit in the west region and the track was converted into clean roads.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student attempts to address the task by comparing the two maps of Beechwood Farm between 1950 and today. An overview is provided, noting the shift from a rural zone to a commercial hub. However, there are several inaccuracies and omissions in reporting the specific features. For example, the student states that the eastern section in 1950 was occupied by 'sheeps' (sheep) and that the fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables stood in the north, whereas the 1950 map shows these agricultural plots in the centre-west. Additionally, some locations today are imprecisely described or misplaced. While the main trends are captured, the response falls short of a fully accurate and comprehensive summary.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The text is structured into four paragraphs, including an introduction, an overall statement, and separate body paragraphs for 1950 and today. Logical connectors such as 'To begin', 'On the other hand', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore' are used to structure the ideas. However, paragraphing and referencing are sometimes awkward, and the progression within paragraphs is occasionally disjointed, such as grouping disparate changes together. Cohesive devices are functional but tend to be mechanical rather than flexible, limiting the score to a Band 6.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student attempts some less common vocabulary relevant to maps and changes, such as 'structural transformation', 'modernization', 'infrastructure', and 'substantial modification'. However, there are notable lexical errors and unnatural word choices, including 'sheeps' (incorrect plural form of sheep), 'barn was shift' (incorrect passive form), and 'buit' (spelling error for built). The range of vocabulary is adequate to convey the basic message, but frequent slips in word choice and morphology keep the score at Band 5.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a mix of simple and some attempted complex sentence structures. However, grammatical accuracy is weak throughout the text. Examples of errors include subject-verb agreement issues ('The map depict', 'vegetables are stood'), incorrect tense usage ('today substantial modification had occurred'), and missing articles or prepositions ('in a farm', 'parking place was added'). While the meaning is generally understandable despite these errors, the high frequency of grammatical slips prevents the response from achieving a higher band.

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

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