Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The maps illustrate the changes that took place in Porth Harbour in the year 2000 and at present day.

Observing the first map, there were several significant changes. To the northern side of map, public beach was presented. Left-hand side of public beach, dock was displayed in 2000. Car park was introduced in north and south part of map. While, castle was observed in east-south part of the layout. In southern part, right side of car park, fishing boats were displayed.

Turning to the present layout, it can be noticed that fishing boats has replaced by new location in the northwest part of map. To the northern part, two docks has constructed. Whereas, The south part of map, cafe and shop have been built near life boat. Showers and toilets have constructed in the left-hand side of map.

Overall, the area underwent significant development over the years period, with several new facilities being constructed and other existing areas are removed, replaced and expand

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers the main features of the maps, identifying key changes such as the addition of the cafe, shop, and new docks. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview of the most significant trends. While the prompt is addressed, the reporting of features is occasionally imprecise, such as the vague reference to 'new location' for the fishing boats. To reach a higher band, you should focus on grouping information more logically and providing a more sophisticated summary of the overall transformation rather than simply listing changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression from the 2000 layout to the present day. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'Observing the first map', 'Turning to the present layout'). Some transitions between sentences feel abrupt, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as 'Left-hand side of public beach, dock was displayed'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the flow of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the changes in the harbour. You use some relevant terms like 'significant development' and 'facilities'. However, there is a reliance on basic vocabulary, and some word choices are slightly unnatural, such as 'public beach was presented' or 'fishing boats has replaced by new location'. There are also minor errors in word formation and collocation. To improve, try to incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to urban planning and spatial description.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally affect clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('fishing boats has replaced', 'two docks has constructed', 'showers and toilets have constructed') and missing articles ('public beach', 'car park', 'castle'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are persistent throughout the text. Focusing on consistent verb tense usage and the correct application of articles will significantly improve your accuracy.

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