Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-05
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 7.0)
The two maps illustrate a gradual transformation of the Porth Harbour from 2000 to its present time.
Overall, there has been a considerable change including the remodeling of the former disused castle, privatization of the beach and a few minor developments.
In detail, to the east of the main road, showers/toilets and were mirrored to the south of the once second car park. The former area for ship mooring was replaced by the private yacht marina to provide increased capacity. In the eastern peninsula, as discussed the former castle was reinvented into a hotel and the beach was privatized. Meanwhile, the usage was specifically limited for the hotel guests. In addition, cafes and shops were installed near the road along the lifeboat station.
In the northern region, in order to incorporate more space for ship mooring, the harbour was equipped with one more dock on the west of the passenger ferries. However, passenger ferries and the lifeboat station had no change and were in their original position. Throughout the period, many significant changes can be observed in the harbour to shift towards tourism and leisure.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response covers all key features of the maps, including the transformation of the castle, the privatization of the beach, and the expansion of the mooring facilities. You have successfully identified the main trends and made relevant comparisons between the two time periods. The overview is clear and highlights the shift towards tourism and leisure, which is a strong point. To reach a higher band, ensure that all spatial descriptions are precise; for example, the mention of 'showers/toilets and were mirrored' contains a grammatical error that slightly obscures the location description. Overall, the task is well-addressed with a clear focus on the significant changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group information by location (east and north). The use of cohesive devices such as 'In detail,' 'Meanwhile,' and 'In addition' helps guide the reader through the changes. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the reference 'as discussed' is unnecessary as it refers to information not previously mentioned in the text. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different areas of the harbour, contributing to a coherent flow of information throughout the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'remodeling,' 'privatization,' 'reinvented,' and 'incorporate.' These terms are appropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'mirrored' to describe the placement of facilities, which is slightly imprecise. However, the vocabulary is generally accurate and allows for a clear description of the visual data. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'change' or 'development' to avoid repetition.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While there are several error-free sentences, there are occasional grammatical slips, such as 'showers/toilets and were mirrored' (unnecessary 'and') and 'the usage was specifically limited for the hotel guests' (slightly awkward phrasing). Punctuation is generally handled well, and these errors do not impede communication. To move to a higher band, focus on ensuring that complex sentence structures are consistently accurate and that subject-verb agreement is maintained throughout the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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