Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-25

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The plans below show a harbour in 2000 and how it looks today.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

 

 

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The maps illustrate the structural developments that have taken place at Porth harbour since 2000.

Overall, the harbour has undergone a comprehensive transformation from a mostly functional port into a well-equipped commercial and tourist hub.

In 2000, the harbour featured two public beaches located on the northern and southern shores. A single dock was situated on the western edge of the northern beach. Further west lay two separate zones—one designated for a marina and the other for fishing vessels—with toilet and shower amenities restricted to the marina area. Additionally, an disused castle occupied the south-western corner.

By the present day, a second dock has been constructed parallel to the original one. On the western side, the positions of the marina and the fishing boat zone have been swapped. Furthermore, shower, toilet, and car parking facilities have been added to serve both areas. Along the southern coast, a hotel, alongside new shops and cafes, has been established. Consequently, the adjacent southern public beach has been repurposed into a private beach reserved exclusively for hotel guests.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

You have provided a clear and accurate summary of the changes between 2000 and the present day. You successfully identified the main features, such as the addition of the second dock, the relocation of the marina and fishing zones, and the introduction of tourist-oriented facilities like the hotel and shops. The overview is concise and effectively highlights the transformation of the harbour. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is well-selected to provide a coherent comparison. You have successfully met the requirements for this task by reporting the key trends and specific changes without unnecessary detail.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a body paragraph for the initial state, and a final paragraph detailing the developments. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from the general overview to specific spatial changes. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In 2000', 'By the present day', 'Furthermore', and 'Consequently', which help guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two time periods, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a report on maps, such as 'structural developments', 'comprehensive transformation', 'designated', 'repurposed', and 'exclusively'. The word choices are precise and contribute to a professional tone. There is a minor error in the phrase 'an disused castle', where 'a' should be used instead of 'an'. However, this is a minor slip and does not detract from the overall quality of the writing. The vocabulary is sufficiently varied to describe the changes accurately and fluently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a strong command of grammatical structures, using a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively. Examples such as 'The maps illustrate the structural developments that have taken place' and 'Consequently, the adjacent southern public beach has been repurposed' show good control over relative clauses and passive voice, which are essential for this task. The punctuation is accurate, and the sentences are generally error-free. The grammar is flexible and supports the clear communication of the information presented in the maps.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.