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 to 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 recreational activities.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response effectively covers the main features of the harbour's transformation. You have successfully identified key changes such as the marina, the hotel, and the new dock. The overview provides a clear summary of the overall trend towards tourism. However, to reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise. For instance, you mention 'a few minor developments' but do not specify what these are, and the description of the 'second car park' is slightly confusing. Overall, the task is well-addressed with a clear focus on the significant changes between the two time periods.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group information by location. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In detail,' 'Meanwhile,' and 'In addition' helps guide the reader through the changes. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the eastern and northern developments. To improve, ensure that referencing is always clear; for example, the phrase 'as discussed' is slightly redundant as the castle was not previously mentioned in the text. The progression of ideas is generally smooth and easy to follow throughout the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and changes, such as 'transformation,' 'remodeling,' 'privatized,' and 'facilitate.' The use of topic-specific language like 'ship mooring' and 'yacht marina' is accurate. There are occasional minor issues with word choice, such as 'reinvented into a hotel' (converted is more standard) and 'the usage was specifically limited' (which is slightly awkward). Despite these minor points, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning with precision and flexibility, showing an awareness of style suitable for an academic report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. You demonstrate good control over passive voice constructions, which are essential for this type of task (e.g., 'was replaced by,' 'were installed'). While there are a few minor grammatical slips, such as 'to the south of the once second car park' (which is slightly clunky), the majority of your sentences are error-free. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the grammatical errors present do not impede communication or cause confusion for the reader. You have shown a solid command of sentence structure.
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.