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 the 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 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 | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
You have successfully identified the main features of the harbour and provided a clear overview of the changes. You covered the key developments, such as the conversion of the castle, the privatization of the beach, and the expansion of the marina and docks. The comparison between the two time periods is clear. To improve, ensure that all descriptions are precise; for example, 'showers/toilets were mirrored' is slightly ambiguous. Additionally, ensure that your overview highlights the most significant trends, such as the shift from a functional harbour to a leisure-oriented facility, which you touched upon in your conclusion. Overall, you have addressed the requirements of the task well.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group information by location (east and north). You use cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'In addition', and 'However' to link ideas effectively. The progression of information is easy to follow. To reach a higher band, ensure that your referencing is always clear; for instance, the phrase 'as discussed' is unnecessary and slightly awkward in this context. Additionally, ensure that the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is seamless to maintain a smooth flow throughout the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'remodeling', 'privatization', 'reinvented', and 'incorporate'. These choices are appropriate for a report on urban development. There are some minor issues with collocation, such as 'showers/toilets were mirrored', which could be phrased more naturally. You also use 'reinvented' for a building, where 'converted' or 'transformed' would be more standard in this context. Overall, your vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning with precision, and you show an awareness of style suitable for an academic task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'In order to incorporate more space... the harbour was equipped with...'. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control of grammar is generally strong. There are occasional minor slips, such as 'the usage was specifically limited for the hotel guests', which could be more concisely phrased. Punctuation is generally accurate, and your use of complex structures shows a good level of control. To improve, focus on varying your sentence structure further to enhance the flow and sophistication of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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