Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-13

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 plans illustrate the changes that took place in a harbour between 2000 and 2026.

Overall, the harbour has undergone significant development, with several new facilities being added, including a hotel, cafes and shops, and a public beach. In addition, the marina was relocated and the area for passenger ferries was expanded.

In 2000, there were two car parks, one located in the north-west and the other in the south-west of the harbour. Showers and toilets were situated next to the northern car park. A marina for private yachts was located in the north, while fishing boats were positioned further south. On the eastern side, there was an area for passenger ferries, a lifeboat station and a disused castle.

Today, the showers and toilets and the two car parks remain unchanged. However, the marina has been moved to the south-west, while the fishing boats are now located further north. The passenger ferry area has been enlarged and a public beach has been added to the north-east. The former castle has been replaced by a hotel, while cafes and shops have been constructed near the marina. The lifeboat station remains in the same area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the significant changes and supported this with specific details from both the 2000 and 2026 plans. The comparison between the two time periods is well-structured, and you have successfully identified the main features, such as the relocation of the marina and the addition of new facilities like the hotel and public beach. The information is accurate and covers all key developments shown in the diagrams, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You have used an effective structure, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by two body paragraphs that contrast the past and present states of the harbour. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'However', and 'while' are used appropriately to link sentences and ideas. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the description of the original layout from the current changes, ensuring the reader can follow the narrative easily.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a report on diagrams. Phrases such as 'undergone significant development', 'relocated', and 'constructed' are used accurately. The vocabulary is precise and helps to convey the changes clearly. While the range is sufficient and effective for the task, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or topic-specific synonyms could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports clear communication throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including passive voice ('were situated', 'has been added') and complex sentences, which are essential for describing processes and changes. There are virtually no grammatical errors, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over tense usage—shifting between the past tense for the 2000 layout and the present perfect for the changes—is handled consistently and correctly, demonstrating a strong command of English grammar.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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