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 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 added 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 facilitate a shift towards tourism and leisure.

AI examiner evaluation

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 addition of new facilities like the marina and shops. The comparison between 2000 and the present is well-handled. To reach a higher band, ensure that you avoid minor inaccuracies; for example, you mentioned the 'second car park' when the map only shows one, and the 'western' dock addition is actually located on the eastern side of the harbour. Precision in reporting spatial data is crucial for Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group information by location. You use cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'In addition', and 'Throughout the period' effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the eastern developments from the northern ones. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the two maps is clearly established. The text is easy to follow, and the use of referencing is generally accurate, contributing to a coherent and well-structured report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and changes, such as 'transformation', 'remodeling', 'privatization', and 'facilitate'. There is an attempt to use less common items, which is positive. However, there are occasional minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'reinvented' (which is slightly informal for a building) and 'usage was specifically limited' (which is a bit clunky). Despite these minor issues, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning with precision and flexibility throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control over grammar and punctuation is strong. There are very few errors, and those that exist do not impede communication. For instance, the phrase 'as discussed the former castle' is slightly awkward, but the overall grammatical control is high. You demonstrate the ability to use passive voice and complex noun phrases correctly, which is essential for this type of task. The writing is clear and professional.

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

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