Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)
The maps illustrate the layout of 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 serve 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 the south-western side for fruit tree farming, soft fruits, and vegetables, all connected by tracks. The south-eastern side has a barn, with an adjacent farmhouse and a 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, as 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 | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The candidate successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear summary of the main features and making relevant comparisons between the 1950 map of Beechwood Farm and the present day. A clear overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting the transition from a purely agricultural site to a diversified rural complex featuring recreational and residential areas. Key changes, such as the replacement of the sheep area with a camping field and solar panels, and the addition of holiday cottages, are well reported. The response is accurate in reflecting the visual data provided, with only minor generalisations that do not detract from the overall quality.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0
The response is logically organised and easy to follow. The introduction clearly sets the context, the second paragraph offers a concise overview, and subsequent paragraphs detail the layout of 1950 and the changes today. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the comparisons, such as 'Previously', 'In 1950', and 'The modern farm'. Paragraphing is logical, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the task. Although cohesion is sometimes slightly mechanical, it maintains a clear progression throughout.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.5
The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully employing less common items and task-specific terminology such as 'substantial redevelopment', 'diversified rural complex', 'solar panel installation', and 'predominantly agricultural site'. Word choices are generally appropriate, and collocations function well. There are occasional slight awkwardnesses, such as saying the south-eastern side 'has a barn' rather than 'contains a barn', but these minor issues do not impede communication and reflect a solid Band 7 lexical performance.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0
The candidate uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'reflecting the farm's transition from a predominantly agricultural site to a more diversified rural complex'). There is a high proportion of error-free sentences, and grammatical control is strong across different tenses used for past and present comparisons. Punctuation is accurate, and syntax is well-managed. Minor slips do not interfere with understanding, demonstrating competent control consistent with a Band 7.5 score.
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