Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-31
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 9.0)
The two maps compare the layout of Porth Harbour in 2000 with its present-day appearance.
Overall, the harbour has undergone considerable redevelopment. While the dock, passenger ferry terminal and public beach have remained in the same locations, several facilities have been added or modernised, and some areas have been converted for commercial and tourism purposes.
In 2000, the western side of the harbour contained a car park, showers and toilets, a marina for private yachts, and an area for fishing boats. A road ran along the southern shore to a lifeboat station, while a disused castle stood on the eastern side near the public beach. Two docks extended into the harbour, one serving passenger ferries.
Today, a number of significant changes can be seen. The fishing boat area has been relocated further north, allowing the marina to be expanded. New cafés and shops have been built along the southern waterfront beside the lifeboat station, replacing part of the former road area. An additional block of showers and toilets has also been constructed near the lower car park, improving facilities for visitors.
Meanwhile, the dock and passenger ferry terminal remain largely unchanged, as does the public beach. The most notable redevelopment on the eastern side is the transformation of the previously disused castle into a tourist attraction. Overall, the harbour has become more modern and visitor-friendly while continuing to support marine transport and recreational boating.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 9.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 9.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 9.0 |
| Overall | 9.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the changes and successfully highlighted the main features, such as the expansion of the marina, the relocation of the fishing area, and the development of the castle. Comparisons are made effectively throughout the text, and the information is accurate based on the provided maps. The structure is logical, moving from a general summary to specific details about the western and eastern sides of the harbour. You have successfully identified the key trends and developments without missing any significant features.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is well-organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by a detailed description of the 2000 layout, and concluding with the modern-day changes. Cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'While', and 'In 2000' are used effectively to guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the report. The flow between sentences is smooth, and referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the spatial changes described.
Lexical Resource — Band 9.0
You have used a wide range of vocabulary appropriate for a report on geographical changes. Terms such as 'considerable redevelopment', 'relocated', 'modernised', and 'transformation' demonstrate a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is precise and fits the context of describing urban planning and harbour facilities. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and sophisticated. The use of specific terminology related to the harbour, such as 'passenger ferry terminal' and 'marina', is accurate and enhances the quality of the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentences, such as 'While the dock... have remained in the same locations, several facilities have been added...', which are error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there is a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses—switching between the past tense for 2000 and the present perfect/present tense for current changes—is handled with precision. There are no grammatical slips that impede communication.
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