Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The maps compare the harbour in 2000 with its current layout.

Overall, Porth Harbour has changed considerably with the addition of cafes, shops, and several other features, which can be seen in the second diagram. The main developments include new accommodation for visitors and improved accessibility to the harbour.

Looking at the maps in more detail, we can see that a hotel has been developed in place of the castle to accommodate visitors. Cafes and shops have also been introduced just beside the lifeboat station. The number of showers and toilets has been increased from one to two, keeping in mind the needs of visitors. A new road has also been developed, connecting the hotel directly with the main road.

"As well as the accommodation mentioned above, the area of the dock has also increased, allowing more than two boats to be docked there at a time. Additionally, the marina and fishing boats have swapped locations: the marina, previously in the north, is now in the south, while the fishing boats have moved from the south to the north.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response effectively covers the main features of the harbour's transformation. You have successfully identified the key changes, such as the replacement of the castle with a hotel, the introduction of cafes and shops, and the relocation of the marina and fishing boats. The overview provides a clear summary of the developments. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are fully supported by the data; for instance, you mention the dock area increased, but describing the specific change in the layout (e.g., the extension of the pier) would provide more precise detail. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group information thematically. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from general changes to specific modifications. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Additionally,' 'As well as,' and 'Looking at the maps in more detail.' Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the development. The flow is natural, and the relationship between the 2000 layout and the current layout is consistently maintained throughout the text, making the information easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the changes accurately. Phrases like 'changed considerably,' 'improved accessibility,' and 'swapped locations' are used appropriately. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, such as 'accommodation' and 'developed,' which fits the context well. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, incorporating more sophisticated collocations or descriptive adjectives related to urban planning or spatial changes could elevate the lexical score further. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use passive voice effectively, such as 'has been developed' and 'have been introduced,' which is appropriate for describing changes in a process or plan. The grammar is generally accurate, with only minor slips, such as the unnecessary quotation mark at the start of the final paragraph. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is consistent. To improve, you could experiment with more varied complex sentence structures to demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility.

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