Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-20

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 6.5)

The plans illustrate the changes that have taken place in Porth Harbour between 2000 and the present day.

Overall, Porth Harbour has undergone considerable development, with several new recreational and commercial facilities being introduced. The most notable changes include the replacement of the disused castle with a hotel and the conversion of the public beach into a private beach for hotel guests.

Looking first at the western side of the harbour, several changes can be observed. In 2000, there were two car parks, a private-yacht marina, showers and toilets, and an area for fishing boats. Today, the showers and toilets and both car parks remain in place, although the marina has been relocated to a position further south. The former marina site is now occupied by fishing boats. In addition, a new area containing cafés and shops has been established beside the road, while the road itself remains largely unchanged.

Turning to the eastern and southern parts of the harbour, the dock and passenger-ferry facilities have remained, although the arrangement of the boats has changed slightly. The lifeboat station has also been retained. The most significant transformation in this area is that the disused castle has been replaced by a hotel, and the adjacent public beach has been converted into a private beach for hotel guests. Meanwhile, the public beach in the north-east of the harbour has remained unchanged.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively summarizes the main features of the harbour's transformation between 2000 and the present day, clearly outlining the key changes such as the introduction of a hotel and the conversion of a public beach into a private one. However, some details lack depth, particularly regarding the overall impact of these changes. More comparative statements could enhance the analysis of the differences between the two periods. Overall, the task is appropriately addressed, but could be more comprehensive. Task Achievement Score: 7.0

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

Coherence and cohesion are generally well-managed in this response. The use of linking phrases like "Looking first at" and "Turning to" guide the reader through the different sections of the answer. Information is organized logically, enabling easy understanding of the harbour's changes. However, some sentences could be streamlined to improve flow. For instance, transitions between thoughts could be more fluid, which would help connect sentences more cohesively. Coherence and Cohesion Score: 7.0

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used in the response is appropriate for the task, with good use of terms related to the topic such as "recreational and commercial facilities" and "disused castle". There is some variety in word choice, but repetitions of words like "beach" and "car parks" could be reduced by employing synonyms or paraphrasing. Attempts to use more sophisticated vocabulary should be made to elevate the overall lexical resource. Lexical Resource Score: 6.5

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The grammatical structures in the response are mostly accurate and varied, with mostly correct usage of tenses and complex sentence structures. For example, the structure "the former marina site is now occupied by fishing boats" showcases appropriate grammar. A few minor errors, such as missing articles and occasional awkward phrasing, can detract from clarity but do not significantly impede comprehension. Grammatical Range and Accuracy Score: 7.0

Overall feedback

This response demonstrates a good understanding of the task, offering a clear overview of the major changes in Porth Harbour. The use of cohesive devices is effective, providing a logical structure that guides the reader. To improve further, consider expanding on the significance of changes, giving more context to their impact on the community or environment. Additionally, incorporating a wider range of vocabulary would enhance the overall sophistication of the writing. Aim to reduce repetitions and use varied sentence structures to strengthen your language use. Overall, this is a strong response with room for growth.

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