Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)
The plans illustrate the changes that have taken place in Porth Harbour between 2000 and the present day.
Overall, the harbour has been considerably modernised, with several facilities added for tourists, while some original features, such as the fishing area and castle, have been replaced or changed. The area has become more focused on leisure and tourism.
In 2000, the western side of the harbour contained two car parks, showers and toilets, a marina for private yachts, and a separate area for fishing boats. To the north-east, there was a dock and a passenger ferry service, while a public beach was located further north. A lifeboat station was situated near the road in the southern part of the harbour, and a castle was found on the south-eastern side.
Today, the harbour has undergone several developments. The fishing boats area has been moved to the north-west, where new showers and toilets have been built, while the previous fishing boat area has been converted into a larger marina for private yachts. In addition, cafés and shops have been constructed along the road near the lifeboat station, providing more facilities for visitors.
Another major change is that the castle in the south-east has been removed and replaced by a hotel. The southern beach area has also become private rather than public. However, the dock, passenger ferries, lifeboat station, main road, and northern public beach have remained largely unchanged. Overall, Porth Harbour has developed from a mainly fishing and transport-based harbour into a commercialised destination.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main features of the harbour in both 2000 and the present day, providing a logical comparison between the two timeframes. The overview effectively captures the shift from a fishing-based harbour to a tourist-oriented one. You have covered all significant changes, such as the relocation of the fishing area, the expansion of the marina, and the replacement of the castle with a hotel. The information is accurate and well-supported by the provided visual data, meeting all requirements for a high-band response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, the 2000 layout, and the subsequent developments. You use cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Another major change', and 'However' effectively to guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the relationship between the past and present states is clearly articulated throughout the text. The flow is smooth and natural.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to describing maps and processes. Phrases like 'considerably modernised', 'converted into', and 'commercialised destination' show a high level of precision. You use topic-specific vocabulary accurately, such as 'marina', 'lifeboat station', and 'passenger ferry service'. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey the changes clearly and concisely.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
Your control of grammar is strong, with a variety of complex sentence structures used throughout the response. You effectively use passive voice constructions (e.g., 'has been moved', 'have been built', 'has been removed') which is appropriate for describing changes in a formal report. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. The use of subordinate clauses and conjunctions adds to the complexity and fluency of your writing, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.
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