Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-29
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 compare the layout of the harbour in 2000 with its present-day appearance.
Overall, the harbour has been significantly redeveloped. Several existing facilities have been relocated, new amenities have been introduced, the number of passenger ferries has increased, and the former castle has been replaced by a hotel.
In 2000, the harbour contained two passenger ferries, whereas today there are three. The showers and toilets, which were previously located near the ferries, have been moved south next to the car park. Furthermore, the marina for private yachts has been relocated to the southern part of the harbour, while the fishing boats now occupy its former location. In addition, cafés and shops have been constructed along the waterfront.
On the eastern side of the harbour, the disused castle has been demolished and replaced by a hotel. The beach immediately to the south, which was previously open to the public, has become a private beach for hotel guests. Finally, the road network has been expanded with an additional access road leading to a new parking area.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response successfully addresses all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the significant changes and supported this with specific details regarding the relocation of facilities and the addition of new infrastructure. The comparison between 2000 and the present day is consistent and accurate. You have effectively selected the main features, such as the replacement of the castle with a hotel and the shift in the marina and fishing boat locations. The information is well-organised, and the summary is balanced, ensuring that all key visual data is covered without unnecessary detail. This is a highly effective response that meets all the criteria for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organised, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that group information thematically. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from general changes to specific facility relocations and then to the eastern side of the harbour. You have used a good range of cohesive devices, such as 'whereas', 'furthermore', 'in addition', and 'finally', which help to guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate different aspects of the development. The flow is natural, and the relationship between the ideas is always clear, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a report on maps. Phrases such as 'significantly redeveloped', 'relocated', 'disused', and 'access road' are used accurately and in the correct context. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to the clarity of the description. While the range is sufficient and effective, it could be pushed further towards a more sophisticated level by incorporating more varied synonyms for 'moved' or 'built' to avoid repetition. However, the current usage is natural and demonstrates a strong command of the language required for this task type.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The grammar is highly accurate throughout the response. You have used a variety of complex structures, including passive voice constructions ('have been relocated', 'has been demolished', 'have been constructed'), which are essential for describing changes in a formal report. The sentence structures are varied, and there are no significant errors in punctuation or syntax. The control over tense usage—switching between the past state and the present state—is handled flawlessly. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor structures used are perfectly suited to the task, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.
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