Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-18

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 8.0)

The two diagrams illustrate the layout of Porth Harbour in 2000 and its present-day configuration.

Overall, the harbour has undergone considerable redevelopment, with facilities being relocated and a disused castle replaced by a hotel with its own private beach. While the public beach and dock area have remained in roughly the same position, most other features have been reorganised.

In 2000, the marina for private yachts was situated near the entrance beside the showers and toilets, while the fishing boats were docked further south, next to the lifeboat station. Today, these have swapped positions: the fishing boats now occupy the northern section close to the car park and showers, whereas the marina has moved south toward the centre of the harbour. A second block of showers and toilets has also been added between the two car parks. Additionally, a row of cafés and shops now stands beside the lifeboat, a feature absent from the original plan.

The most striking change, however, is at the southern end, where the disused castle has been demolished and replaced by a hotel, complete with a newly created private beach for guests, connected by an extended road.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all the key features of the harbour, including the relocation of the marina and fishing boats, the addition of new amenities like the shops and second shower block, and the significant redevelopment of the southern area. The overview is clear and effectively highlights the main trends, such as the general redevelopment and the specific transformation of the castle into a hotel. You have made relevant comparisons between the two time periods, ensuring the reader can easily track the changes. The response is well-structured and fully addresses the prompt requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction and overview, the central harbour changes, and the southern redevelopment. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'while', 'whereas', 'additionally', and 'the most striking change', which help guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the harbour's evolution. The flow is natural, and the referencing is precise, making the information easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'redevelopment', 'configuration', 'demolished', and 'absent'. The language is natural and fits the context of describing a map or plan perfectly. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. You successfully use a range of vocabulary that allows for clear and accurate descriptions of the spatial changes, which is essential for this type of task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing shows a high level of grammatical control. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as the use of participial phrases ('connected by an extended road') and subordinate clauses ('while the public beach... have remained'). Punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few complex structures used are handled with precision, contributing to a professional and academic tone.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.