Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The maps illustrate the layout of the Beechwood farm in 1950 and at the present time.
Overall, there has been substantial redevelopment over the years. Previously, the majority of the farm was allocated for agricultural activities, which now serves a variety of purposes, such as recreational activities and residential areas.
In 1950, a major portion of the farm on the north-eastern side was assigned for sheep grazing, and on the south-western side for farming of fruit trees, soft fruits and vegetables, all connected by tracks. The South-eastern side has a barn, with an adjacent farmhouse and chicken enclosure nearby. The farm has a river on the south and west borders and a main road towards the north.
The modern farm has undergone significant modifications; the sheep grazing area on the north-eastern side now serves as a leisure area, with a camping field and solar panel installation in the right corner, and an attached parking area at the bottom. Another parking area can also be seen at the main entrance.
The tracks are now properly constructed and connect different areas of the farm. The agricultural areas of fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetables still hold the same place, reflecting the farm's transition from a predominantly agricultural site to a more diversified rural complex. The south-east corner is reorganized; it now has a residential area named Holiday Cottages, below it is a farmhouse and an adjacent chicken enclosure, and a well-constructed road reaching the barn.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by comparing the two maps of Beechwood Farm in 1950 and today. A clear, well-developed overview is provided, highlighting the significant transformation from agricultural use to a diversified rural complex. Key features are accurately identified and reported, such as the replacement of the sheep area with a camping field, solar panels, and parking spaces, as well as the addition of a farm shop and holiday cottages. The retention of the fruit trees, soft fruits, and vegetable plots is also correctly noted. The response meets all requirements for Task Achievement at a high level.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0
The response is logically organized with a clear progression from introduction to overview, and then detailed descriptions of the past and present layouts. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct function. Cohesive devices are handled effectively, such as 'Previously', 'In 1950', and 'The modern farm has undergone significant modifications', which help guide the reader smoothly through the temporal comparisons. Referencing is clear throughout, ensuring that the information flows naturally without confusion.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.0
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Vocabulary items such as 'substantial redevelopment', 'predominantly agricultural site', and 'diversified rural complex' show a strong command of less common lexis. Word choices and collocations are generally accurate and natural, though there are minor slips like omitting the article in 'layout of the Beechwood farm'. Overall, the vocabulary effectively conveys the spatial changes and features with precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The response exhibits a wide range of sentence structures, blending simple and complex forms effectively. Examples of complex structures include relative clauses and participial phrases, such as 'reflecting the farm's transition from a predominantly agricultural site to a more diversified rural complex'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control is strong throughout. Punctuation is accurate, and minor slips do not impede communication or detract from the overall clarity of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.