Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-07
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 5.0)
The plans below describe that A harbour in 2000 and how it looks today.
Public beach was located in north east side in the present time there is no changes are there while Dock is located between public beach and boats in 2000 which has been replaced 2 Docks in North eastern side. there was a one Marina (private yachts) , showers & toilets and car park area in 2000. in present time there is not available Marina while it rebuild a fishing boats to touch a main road in north west side. in year 2000 there was a passenger ferries in north-east side there is no changes in present time.
In year 2000, there was a Fishing boats and beside a car park near the main road, In the present time fishing boats are removed and build a new Marina privet yachts and the shower & toilets are added in present time there is no changes in car park near the main road. in the present time cafes and shops are added in southern side beside a lifeboats. In year 2000 the castle are there but nowadays there is a hotel in that place and private beach is for the hotel in eastern side.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the harbour, identifying key changes such as the replacement of the marina and the addition of new facilities. However, the report is somewhat disorganized and lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant trends. Some descriptions are inaccurate or confusing, such as stating there are 'no changes' to the public beach when the visual data suggests otherwise, or the unclear description of the docks. To reach a higher band, you should provide a clear introductory summary and ensure that the comparison between the two time periods is more precise and logically structured.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the internal flow is weak. The use of cohesive devices is limited and often repetitive (e.g., 'in present time', 'in year 2000'). There is a lack of logical progression between sentences, making the description feel like a list of observations rather than a cohesive report. Referencing is sometimes unclear, such as the phrase 'in that place', which makes it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial changes. Improving the use of linking words and transition signals would significantly enhance the readability of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is basic and repetitive. You rely heavily on simple phrases like 'there is' or 'there was'. There are also several errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'it rebuild a fishing boats' and 'privet yachts'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning of the task, it lacks the range and precision required for higher bands. You should focus on using more varied verbs to describe change, such as 'transformed', 'expanded', 'relocated', or 'converted', and ensure correct spelling of technical terms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'there is no changes'), incorrect article usage, and awkward sentence structures. The range of grammatical structures is limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences. Complex structures are attempted but are often inaccurate, such as 'while Dock is located... which has been replaced 2 Docks'. To improve, you need to focus on basic sentence construction, correct tense usage for describing past and present states, and better control over punctuation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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