Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

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, the 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

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have provided a clear overview of the changes and successfully identified the main features of the harbour. You effectively contrasted the 2000 layout with the present day, noting the transformation of the castle and the expansion of mooring facilities. The response covers all key areas, such as the privatization of the beach and the addition of commercial amenities. To reach a higher band, ensure that all spatial descriptions are precise; for example, the mention of 'showers/toilets were mirrored to the south' is slightly ambiguous. Overall, the information is well-selected and the main trends are clearly reported.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a summary of main trends, and body paragraphs that group information by location. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'In detail', 'Meanwhile', and 'In addition' to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different areas of the harbour. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the referencing is generally clear. To improve, ensure that transitions between sentences are even more natural, as some connections feel slightly mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and trends, such as 'gradual transformation', 'remodeling', 'privatization', and 'reinvented'. Your word choice is generally precise and contributes to a professional tone. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary used is sufficient to convey complex ideas about the changes in the harbour. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to describe the spatial changes, such as 'delineated' or 'undergone extensive renovation'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over grammar and punctuation is strong. For instance, the use of passive voice in 'the former area for ship mooring was replaced' is appropriate for this task type. There are very few grammatical slips, and the meaning is always clear. To reach the highest bands, ensure that complex structures are used with even greater flexibility and that you avoid minor awkward phrasing, such as 'the usage was specifically limited for the hotel guests'.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.