Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-30

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 given diagrams demonstrates how the Porth Harbour used to look back in 2000 and how does it look at present.

Comparing both diagrams, We get to know that in year 2000 there were things according to the requirements at that time such as, there was only one dock which could hold 2 passengers ferries at a time and at present it could hold 3 passengers ferry. Continuing further, There were two public beach available in year 2000 as now there is only one public beach while the other one is only allowed to use by the one's staying at the hotel.

Analysing the diagram further, the area designated to marina (private yachts) was small and area for fishing boats was large back in 2000 as compared to now it is right opposite to it. There are also some small additions like cafes and many more.

Overall, the comparison between two diagrams shows some changes which are made according to the current requirements.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers the main features of the harbour, such as the dock expansion, the change in beach access, and the shift in boat storage. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For instance, mentioning 'cafes and many more' is vague and lacks the specific detail required for a high band. The overview is also quite brief and could be more descriptive regarding the overall transformation of the harbour. To improve, ensure that all significant changes are highlighted with more precise comparisons and that the overview provides a clearer summary of the most striking trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the comparison. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Continuing further', 'Analysing the diagram further'). The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the sentence 'the other one is only allowed to use by the one's staying at the hotel,' which is grammatically awkward and disrupts the flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that pronouns clearly refer back to their antecedents would enhance the coherence of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the changes in the harbour. However, there are instances of imprecise word choice and awkward phrasing, such as 'the one's staying at the hotel' and 'it is right opposite to it.' The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise, topic-specific terminology related to maps and urban planning, such as 'expanded,' 'converted,' 'redeveloped,' or 'allocated.'

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The given diagrams demonstrates'), incorrect verb tense usage ('how does it look'), and awkward phrasing ('the other one is only allowed to use by the one's staying'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are noticeable and occur throughout the text. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage will significantly improve the accuracy of the writing.

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