Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-06
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 6.5)
The maps illustrate the changes that have taken place at Porth Harbour between 2000 and the present day.
Overall, the harbour has been significantly redeveloped to improve tourism and recreational facilities. While the dock and passenger ferry area have been expanded, new commercial and accommodation facilities have been added, and some existing areas have been relocated.
In 2000, the western side of the harbour contained a marina for private yachts, a fishing boat area, two car parks, and one block of showers and toilets. To the east, there was a single dock used by passenger ferries, a public beach, a lifeboat station, and a disused castle with another public beach nearby.
Today, several notable changes can be seen. The marina and fishing boat areas have exchanged positions, and an additional block of showers and toilets has been built beside the lower car park. The dock has been enlarged with the addition of another pier, allowing more boats to use the harbour. A new row of cafés and shops has been constructed near the lifeboat station. Furthermore, the disused castle has been converted into a hotel, while the nearby public beach has become a private beach exclusively for hotel guests.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
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 highlights the key trends, such as the redevelopment for tourism and the expansion of facilities. You have successfully selected relevant data points, such as the relocation of the marina and fishing areas, the conversion of the castle, and the expansion of the dock. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is presented in a clear, analytical manner that fully satisfies the requirements for an Academic Task 1 response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is well-structured and easy to follow. You have used a logical progression, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by a detailed description of the past and then the present. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate these distinct sections. Cohesive devices, such as 'While', 'Furthermore', and 'In 2000', are used naturally to link ideas and guide the reader through the changes. The information is organised in a way that makes the comparison between the two maps very clear and coherent throughout the entire text.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and changes. Phrases such as 'significantly redeveloped', 'exchanged positions', and 'converted into' are used accurately and naturally. You avoid repetition and use precise terminology to describe the harbour features. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it could be slightly more sophisticated in places to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high score. There are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The grammar is highly accurate throughout the response. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While the dock and passenger ferry area have been expanded, new commercial and accommodation facilities have been added'). The use of passive voice is appropriate for describing changes to infrastructure (e.g., 'has been converted', 'has been built'). Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The control over complex structures is consistent, contributing to the overall clarity and professional tone of the report.
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