Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The two diagram illustkates porthharbour in 2000 and the changes it had been through years till present date.
Overall, the port harbour remained same with minor reconstuctions. The docks were expanded along with conversion of previously disused castle as a hotel. Apart from such adjustments, the harbour remained unchanged.
Porthharbour in 2000, had a castle situated at an elevated hill in easten-south direction, while a public beach occupied the space just below the castle. A dock yard opposite to the castle where two passenger ferries can be docked. Facillities such as showering and toilets along with two car parking areas were available west of the castle.
Regarding the porth harbour in present day, the castle was reconstucted into a hotel. Furthamore, cafes and shops were
built along the road leading to the hotel the docks are expanded along with another showering and toilet areas. The fishing boat and Marina (private yachts) area's position are exchanged.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the harbour, including the conversion of the castle and the expansion of the docks. However, the report is incomplete; the final sentence is cut off mid-thought, and the description of the changes is somewhat superficial. While the main trends are identified, the lack of a clear, finished conclusion and the incomplete sentence structure hinder the full development of the task. To improve, ensure all observations are fully articulated and that the summary provides a cohesive overview of the transformation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression from the 2000 layout to the present day. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical, and the abrupt ending of the final paragraph significantly disrupts the flow of information. Referencing is generally clear, but the lack of a concluding sentence or a smooth transition between the final points makes the overall structure feel unfinished. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring all paragraphs are complete will enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
There is an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, such as 'reconstructions', 'elevated', and 'disused'. However, there are several spelling errors, including 'illustkates', 'porthharbour', 'reconstucted', and 'Furthamore'. These errors are frequent enough to be noticeable but do not fully impede communication. To reach a higher band, you should focus on accuracy in spelling and attempt to use more precise collocations when describing spatial changes, such as 'situated on an elevated hill' rather than 'at an elevated hill'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The two diagram illustkates' (subject-verb agreement), 'the changes it had been through years' (awkward phrasing), and 'area's position are exchanged' (plural/singular agreement). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly in the final paragraph where the sentence structure breaks down. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors limits the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent sentence completion will significantly improve your accuracy.
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