Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-14

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 4.0)

The Plans we see of Harbour in 2000 and compare it from today so their is huge difference in structure first Marina (private yachts) change to Fishing boats and Secondly Dock side expanded to 2 sections for boats, additionally i am observing Cafes and Shops are added and in the place of Castle Hotel is Build. also Showers and Toilet are added near car parking as well. So far these are main changes i have compare in the both maps

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully address the task. While you have identified some key changes, such as the addition of cafes, shops, and the hotel, the report lacks the necessary depth and detail required for an Academic Task 1 response. You have not provided an overview or a clear summary of the overall trends, and the lack of length means the information is presented in a fragmented, list-like manner rather than a cohesive report. To improve, you must expand on the descriptions and ensure all significant features are covered.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0

The response is written as a single, short paragraph, which lacks the structure expected in an IELTS report. There is no clear introduction, body, or conclusion. The use of cohesive devices is very limited and mechanical, such as 'first', 'secondly', and 'additionally'. The flow of ideas is disjointed, making it difficult for the reader to follow the progression of changes between the two maps. To improve, you should organize your writing into distinct paragraphs—an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs—and use a wider variety of linking words to connect your ideas more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 4.5

The vocabulary used is quite basic and repetitive. You rely on simple verbs like 'change', 'added', and 'build' (which is grammatically incorrect). There is little attempt to use more precise or academic vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'transformed', 'expanded', 'replaced', or 'constructed'. The phrasing is often informal and lacks the precision required for a formal report. To improve, focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary related to describing maps and urban development, and try to vary your word choices to avoid repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that hinder clarity. Examples include 'their is huge difference' (there is a huge difference), 'Dock side expanded' (the dockside was expanded), and 'Castle Hotel is Build' (the Castle Hotel was built). The sentence structures are simple and often run-on, lacking the complexity needed for higher bands. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with a lack of proper sentence boundaries. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing changes in maps.

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

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