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

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 mooring facilities. The comparison between 2000 and the present is clear. To reach a higher band, ensure you avoid minor inaccuracies; for example, you mentioned the 'second car park' when the map shows only one car park in 2000. Additionally, ensure all labels are interpreted accurately to avoid minor factual discrepancies. Overall, the response is well-structured and addresses the prompt effectively.

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 'In detail', 'Meanwhile', and 'In addition' to guide the reader through the changes. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different areas of the harbour. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the past and present states is consistently maintained. The use of referencing is generally clear, though some transitions could be slightly more varied to enhance the flow further.

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 a clear attempt to use less common items, which adds precision to your description. While the vocabulary is generally accurate, there are occasional minor issues with collocation or word choice, such as 'reinvented into a hotel' (converted is more standard) and 'usage was specifically limited' (access is more precise). These do not impede communication, but refining these choices would elevate the response to a higher band.

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 good. There are occasional minor slips, such as 'the usage was specifically limited to the hotel guests' (which is slightly awkward phrasing) and 'the harbour was equipped with one more dock on the west of the passenger ferries' (where 'to the west of' would be more natural). However, these errors are non-systematic and do not cause any difficulty for the reader. You have demonstrated a solid command of grammatical structures throughout the task.

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