Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-03
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 5.0)
THE MAP DEPICTS THE PLAN OF A HARBOUR IN 2000 AND PRESENT PLAN OF HARBOUR.
OVERALL,DOCK IS INCREASED FROM ONE TO TWO. CASTLE HAS BEEN CONVERTED INTO HOTEL FOR STAY. FACILITIES LIKE SHOWERS AND TOILETS , CAFES AND SHOPS HAVE BEEN BUILT.MEANWHILE,MARINA AND FISHING BOATS SPOTS JUST BEEN SWAPED.
INITIALLY,CASTLE WHICH HAS NOT BEING USED NOW IS CONVERTED INTO HOTEL .THEREFOR,PUBLIC BEACH IS NOW PRIVATE BEACH FOR HOTEL USER ONLY.FROM THE HOTEL, MOVING TOWARDS THE ROAD IN WEST SIDE ,AT PRESENT THERE ARE CAFES AND SHOPS BESIDE LIFEBOAT.ON THE NORTH SIDE , THERE WAS ONLY ONE DOCK IN 2000,BUT NOW THEIR ARE TWO.
SECONDARY, MARINA THAT IS FOR PRIVATE YACHTS HAVE GIVEN A LARGER SPACE.AND FISH BOATS HAVE GIVEN A SMALLER SPACE. IN ADDITION, BEFORE THERE WAS ONLY ONE SHOWERS AND TOILETS APPARATUS BESIDE THE SMALL CAR PARKING AREA. HOWEVER, NOW THEIR TWO OF THEM BESIDE EACH CAR PARKING AREA.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the harbour's transformation, such as the addition of a second dock, the conversion of the castle, and the expansion of the marina. However, the report lacks a clear, professional tone and contains some inaccuracies in detail, such as the description of the lifeboat area. While the main trends are identified, the overview is somewhat simplistic. To improve, ensure that the summary highlights the most significant changes more clearly and maintains a formal, objective tone suitable for an academic report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally awkward, such as the use of 'SECONDARY' to start a paragraph, which is not standard academic English. The transition between ideas is sometimes abrupt, and the referencing (e.g., 'THEIR ARE TWO') is occasionally confusing. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the overall flow and logical progression of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. There are several instances of word-choice errors, such as 'APPARATUS' to describe showers and toilets, and 'SWAPED' (spelling error). The range is limited, relying on basic descriptors. To achieve a higher score, you should focus on using more precise terminology for describing map changes, such as 'redeveloped', 'expanded', 'relocated', or 'transformed', and ensure correct spelling throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'CASTLE WHICH HAS NOT BEING USED', 'THEIR ARE TWO', and 'MARINA... HAVE GIVEN A LARGER SPACE' (passive voice error). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing after commas. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement, the correct use of passive voice for describing changes, and basic sentence structure to reduce the frequency of errors.
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