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 provided diagrams compare the layout and development of a harbour from 2000 till present.
Overall, it is evident that the harbour underwent considerable transformation, with several new facilities being introduced and existing features being modified.
During 2000, a harbour consisted mainly of one dock. To the west there was a main road and a castle (disused) was located in the southeast. Whereas, the passenger ferries were located in the east and a car park was situated in the southwest. Additionally, the northern area of a harbour contained a dock, while a public beach was in the southern area. Moreover, a marina (private yachts) was in the western side beside the showers and toilets, while the fishing boats were in the area below a marina.
Currently, significant changes have taken place, the castle has been replaced by a hotel in the southeast area of a harbour. Furthermore, a marina and the fishing boats have replaced their positions, while an additional space for a dock has been excavated in the north. Lastly, new cafes and shops are opened in the south and the road system has been expanded, allowing easier access to different areas of a harbour.
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 all key features of the harbour plans, including the transformation of the castle into a hotel, the expansion of the dock, and the addition of new amenities. The overview is clear and highlights the main trends effectively. However, the description of the 2000 layout is slightly cluttered, and some spatial relationships could be more precise. While the main features are reported, the comparison between the two time periods could be more integrated to better demonstrate the 'change' aspect of the task. Overall, it provides a solid summary of the information presented in the diagrams.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and two body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the past and present states. Cohesive devices such as 'During 2000', 'Currently', 'Furthermore', and 'Lastly' are used to guide the reader through the information. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing of 'a harbour' is repetitive and occasionally unnatural. Despite these minor issues, the progression of ideas is clear throughout the text, and the information is presented in a logical sequence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, using terms like 'considerable transformation', 'modified', 'excavated', and 'expanded'. There is a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes accurately. However, there are some minor issues with collocation and article usage, such as 'a harbour' instead of 'the harbour' when referring to the specific site. The use of 'replaced their positions' is slightly awkward; 'swapped positions' or 'relocated' would be more precise. The range is adequate for the task, but lacks the sophistication required for a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several error-free sentences, and the grammar is generally controlled. However, there are some persistent minor errors, such as the misuse of articles ('a harbour' used repeatedly where 'the' is required) and minor tense inconsistencies (e.g., 'are opened' instead of 'have been opened'). These errors do not impede communication, but they prevent the writing from reaching a higher band. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the sentence variety is sufficient to convey the information clearly.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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