Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-28
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 given plans illustrate the difference to the site of a Beechwood Farm in 1950 and the present. One of the major changes, can be seen in the area where sheep resided.
To begin with, a farm shop was built near the premises where the fruit trees grew. In both the plans, the region where soft fruits and vegetables are grown remained unchanged throughout the years. Furthermore, the position of the barn at the upper-right corner is now located in the triangular section of the track, replacing the previous position of the barn with a range of holiday cottages.
Along with that, the major changes have been made in the location where sheep inhabited. They have been replaced with an extensive camping area. A parking lot is constructed in the western corner of the camping field and also near the end of the road. The additional space has been used to install solar panels.
To conclude, there are significant modifications made in the layout of the site in 1950 and today. A huge range of faciilties have been added to the farm that previously had fewer facilties than it has now.
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 student covers most of the key features of the two maps, successfully noting major additions such as the farm shop, camping field, solar panels, holiday cottages, and parking areas, alongside features that remained unchanged like the soft fruits and vegetables plots. However, there are some inaccuracies in reporting spatial relationships and features. For instance, the student states that the barn at the upper-right corner is now located in the triangular section of the track, whereas the maps show the barn was originally near the eastern track branch and is still present at the southern end of the road junction. The position of the parking lots is also slightly misdescribed. Nevertheless, an overall progression is attempted, earning a Band 6.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response is arranged into four paragraphs, moving from an introductory overview to specific body paragraphs detailing changes, and ending with a conclusion. Cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader, such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'Along with that'. However, some of the referencing and logical transitions feel a bit mechanical or slightly abrupt, such as the sudden shift into parking and solar panels. Paragraphing is used appropriately to structure the essay, and the overarching progression of ideas is generally clear despite minor organizational lapses.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, attempting less common items such as 'extensive camping area', 'modifications', and 'significant'. There are, however, some inappropriate word choices and minor errors, such as 'faciilties' (misspelling of facilities) and 'where sheep resided' / 'where sheep inhabited' (slightly unnatural collocation for animals grazing). Despite these limitations, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points without impeding communication, aligning well with the Band 6 descriptors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as passive constructions ('A farm shop was built', 'They have been replaced') and introductory prepositional phrases. There are a few noticeable grammatical slips, notably the intrusive comma in the opening sentence ('One of the major changes, can be seen...') and occasional awkward phrasing. However, the majority of simple sentences are clear, and the errors do not impede the overall communication of the message, supporting a Band 6 score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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