Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-15

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 two maps illustrate the changes that have occurred in Porth Harbour between 2000 and the present day.

In 2000, the harbour was relatively simple, with basic facilities including two car parks, showers and toilets, a marina for private yachts, and areas designated for fishing boats and passenger ferries. There was also a dock, a lifeboat station, a disused castle, and a public beach.

In contrast, the current map shows significant development and modernization. Notably, the northern car park and adjacent showers and toilets have been removed to make space for cafes and shops, which have been added to enhance the area’s amenities. The southern car park and facilities remain unchanged. Additionally, the fishing boats area has been slightly relocated to the north to accommodate the new cafes and shops.

One of the most significant additions is a large hotel built near the disused castle, accompanied by a newly established private beach for hotel guests. This indicates an effort to attract more tourists and provide exclusive amenities. The marina, dock, passenger ferries, and lifeboat station remain in their original positions, ensuring the harbour still functions efficiently.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have provided a clear and accurate summary of the changes between the two maps. You successfully identified the main features, such as the removal of the northern car park, the addition of the hotel, and the relocation of the fishing boat area. The overview is well-integrated, and you have made effective comparisons between the two time periods. The response covers all parts of the task well, and the information is logically selected to highlight the most significant developments. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the 'overall' trend or the most striking change in the introduction or a dedicated overview paragraph to provide a stronger summary of the transformation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial state in 2000 to the modern-day developments. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the transition between the past and present is handled smoothly using phrases like 'In contrast' and 'Additionally'. Cohesive devices are used effectively to link ideas, such as 'notably', 'one of the most significant additions', and 'accompanied by'. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows naturally throughout the text. The use of referencing is precise, ensuring the reader can easily follow the spatial changes described in the maps.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a task of this nature. Terms such as 'modernization', 'designated', 'accommodate', and 'exclusive amenities' are used accurately and contribute to a professional tone. The vocabulary is flexible and precise, allowing you to describe the changes without repetition. While the range is sufficient, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or topic-specific synonyms related to urban planning or geographical changes could further enhance the lexical variety. Overall, the language is natural, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex structures, such as passive voice ('have been removed', 'have been added') and participial phrases ('accompanied by a newly established private beach'), which are well-suited for describing map changes. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate throughout. There is a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, which helps maintain a steady rhythm. The grammatical accuracy is consistent, and there are no significant errors that distract the reader or affect the clarity of the report.

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