Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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

Overall, Beechwood Farm has undergone significant changes in terms of its layout and facilities. Several existing areas have been replaced or converted, while a number of new facilities, including camping fields, solar panels and holiday cottages, have been introduced.

In the 1950s, sheep were kept in the northwest corner of the farm, while the barn, farmhouse and chicken area were situated on the western side. A track ran through the centre of the farm. Moreover, fruit trees, soft fruit and vegetables were grown in the eastern part of the farm. A river ran along the southern side of the farm.

At present, the area where sheep were kept has been transformed, with solar panels, camping fields and car parks occupying this part of the farm. In the centre, the former track has been replaced by a road. Similarly, the barn has been converted into holiday cottages. In addition, a farm shop has been added in the eastern part of the farm. A new barn has also been constructed at the southern end of the triangular road.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear summary of the changes shown in the two maps of Beechwood Farm. The response covers the main features of both 1950 and today, highlighting key transformations such as the introduction of solar panels, camping fields, holiday cottages, and a farm shop. A clear overview is provided in the second paragraph, capturing the overall trend of significant modernisation and diversification. While there are a few minor locational inaccuracies in the body paragraphs (for example, stating that the fruit trees, soft fruit, and vegetables were in the eastern part in 1950 when they were in the south-west), the response is well-supported with relevant details and fulfills the task requirements effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organised and easy to follow. Information is grouped well chronologically, moving from an introductory overview to past features and finally present changes. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, past layout, and current layout. Cohesive devices such as 'In the 1950s', 'At present', 'Moreover', and 'In addition' are employed to guide the reader through the comparison, though some transitions are straightforward rather than sophisticated. Referencing throughout the text is clear, and the progression of ideas is logical from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and flexible range of vocabulary suited to describing maps and spatial changes. Useful lexical items such as 'undergone significant changes', 'transformed', 'converted', and 'constructed' are used naturally and accurately. There are occasional minor inaccuracies in word choice related to spatial orientation (e.g., placing the crops in the eastern part instead of the south-west), but spelling and word formation are generally accurate. The vocabulary allows the writer to convey the necessary information clearly and with some precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The student displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, utilising passive voice effectively (e.g., 'have been replaced or converted', 'has been constructed') which is appropriate for describing changes to places over time. Complex sentences are generally well-controlled, and punctuation is accurate throughout. Although there are a few minor slips or repetitive sentence openings, the majority of sentences are grammatically sound, and errors do not impede communication or strain the reader.

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