Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-09
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 5.5)
This essay will identify the differences and similarities between a harbour in 2000 vs now using the maps attached.
Poth harbour on first glance has had changes but the outline remains similar. The public beach to the north east still remains there alongside the dock and 2 boats. To the West is where the differences appear. The showers and car park are at the same place but fishing boats have now been added which replace the old marina private yachts which all tough still exist today, have been relocated toward south.
In the South the showers and toilets have been added, and alongside the road there are cafes, shops, which are a new addition. The lifeboat exists in both at the same place. The public beach has been transformed to a private beach (for the hotel) now at south below. There is a big hotel in the present day which replaces the old castle of previous times.
Despite having changed, many things remain similar and important things like boats, beaches still exist. Th addition of cafes, shops and a hotel show modern day needs and is a great addition
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the harbour, identifying key changes such as the addition of the hotel, shops, and the relocation of the marina. However, the report lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant trends, which is essential for a high band score. The description of locations is sometimes imprecise, such as saying the beach is 'at south below' or 'to the north east', which makes it difficult for the reader to visualize the changes clearly. To improve, ensure you include a distinct 'overview' paragraph that highlights the most striking transformations, such as the shift from a more functional fishing harbour to a more commercialized tourist destination.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite limited and sometimes mechanical. Phrases like 'In the South' and 'To the West' are used, but the transition between sentences is often abrupt. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the sentence 'which all tough still exist today', where the pronoun reference is awkward. To improve, try to use a wider range of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through the comparison of the two maps.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety expected at higher levels. There are several spelling errors, such as 'Poth' instead of 'Both' and 'tough' instead of 'though'. The phrasing is often repetitive, relying on simple verbs like 'added' or 'remains'. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to map descriptions, such as 'transformed', 'replaced', 'relocated', 'expanded', or 'developed'. Using a more academic tone and avoiding informal phrasing like 'at first glance' will also strengthen your lexical range.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. For example, 'The public beach to the north east still remains there' is slightly redundant, and 'which all tough still exist today' contains both a spelling error and a grammatical awkwardness. There are also issues with article usage and prepositions, such as 'at south' instead of 'in the south'. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of relative clauses. Proofreading for basic errors in spelling and punctuation would also significantly improve the clarity of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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