Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The map illustrates the changes in Beechwood Farm that took place between the 1950s and the present.

Overall, Beechwood Farm has undergone significant changes in the layout and facilities. Several existing areas were replaced and converted, while a number of new areas, such as camping fields, solar panels and holiday cottages, were introduced.

In the past, sheep were located in the northwest corner of the farm, while the barn, farmhouse and chickens were situated on the western side of the farm. There was a track situated in the center of the farm. Moreover, fruit trees, soft fruit and vegetables were situated on the eastern side of the farm. There was a river situated on the southern side of the farm.

At present, sheep have been replaced by solar panels, camping fields and car parks. In the centre, the track has been replaced by a road. Similarly, the barn has been converted into holiday cottages. In addition, a farm shop has been added on the eastern side of the farm. The barn has been built at the bottom of the triangular road.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student provides a generally clear overview of the changes at Beechwood Farm between 1950 and the present. The response selects and reports main features, such as the replacement of sheep fields with solar panels and camping facilities, and the conversion of the barn into holiday cottages. However, there are some inaccuracies in spatial referencing. For instance, the student states that in the past, 'fruit trees, soft fruit and vegetables were situated on the eastern side of the farm,' whereas the visual data shows them centrally/westward between the track and river, while sheep were in the north/north-east. Furthermore, the final sentence mentions that a 'barn has been built at the bottom of the triangular road,' which contradicts the original plan where a barn already existed near the farmhouse, and the modern plan shows a barn at the southern end. Overall, all parts of the task are addressed, but with noticeable inaccuracies in detail selection, placing this in Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is organized into four logical paragraphs: an introduction, an overall summary, a description of the past layout, and a description of the present layout. This paragraphing makes the text easy to follow. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader through the comparison, such as 'In the past', 'Moreover', and 'At present'. However, referencing and progression are sometimes basic or slightly mechanical. For example, the transition between sentences in the final paragraph lacks smooth integration ('In addition, a farm shop has been added... The barn has been built...'). Paragraphs are used sufficiently and appropriately, but the overall logical flow could be enhanced with more sophisticated linking words. This performance aligns well with Band 6.5.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully employing appropriate terms related to map transformations such as 'layout', 'facilities', 'replaced', 'converted', and 'introduced'. Less common lexical items are attempted, though with some minor inaccuracies or repetitions (e.g., repeatedly using 'farm' within sentences). Collocations are generally acceptable, and spelling is accurate throughout the text. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main changes, it lacks the broader flexibility and precision of uncommon lexical items required for higher bands. Therefore, a score of 6.0 is appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The writer uses a satisfactory mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including passive structures ('were replaced and converted', 'have been replaced', 'has been added') which are well-suited for describing changes to maps. There are several error-free sentences, and grammar and punctuation are generally under control. However, occasional minor issues and slight awkwardness in phrasing occur, such as 'camping fields' (plural fields where the map shows one unified camping field) and repetitive sentence structures starting with prepositional phrases of place. Despite these minor limitations, communication is never impeded, and the grammatical control is solid enough to meet the Band 6.5 descriptors.

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