Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-24

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 6.0)

The two layouts demonstrate a harbor named Porth Harbour, how it was in 2000 and what it looks like now.

Overall, it is evident that at present the dock, showers and car park facilities has doubled to meet the increasing demand. Moreover, public-focused service center has been constructed such as, cafes, shops and hotels.

In the year 2000 north side dock is now extended with another new dock. While the passenger ferries remained unchanged. The previous main road to west side and the road that continued to the middle of the layout is still exist today. Furthermore, in the left side of the lifeboat brand new cafes and shop is established. An alternation is done for the fishing boats and for the private yachts at current plans.

In the stark contrast, the former abandoned castle at the south east edge of the plan is now converted into a hotel with a private beach facility. However, the public beach at north-east remained the same. Additionally, above the south-west car park a new showers and toilets building is constructed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the harbour, such as the expansion of the dock, the addition of service facilities, and the conversion of the castle. You provided a clear overview and made relevant comparisons between the two time periods. However, the response could be improved by being more precise with spatial descriptions; for example, referring to 'left side' or 'above' is less professional than using specific compass directions or clear landmarks. Additionally, ensure that all claims are supported by the visual data, as some descriptions of the road layout were slightly ambiguous.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on different areas of the harbour. You used some cohesive devices like 'Moreover', 'Furthermore', and 'In the stark contrast' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or forced. The use of 'In the stark contrast' is grammatically awkward; 'In contrast' would be more natural. Additionally, the referencing of locations could be smoother to ensure the reader can easily follow the spatial progression of your description.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'converted', 'extended', and 'facilities'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For instance, 'An alternation is done' is not the correct way to express that changes were made; 'modifications were made' would be better. Similarly, 'lifeboat brand new cafes' is confusing. You should aim to use more precise terminology for map descriptions, such as 'situated', 'adjacent to', or 'transformed into'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are several grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Subject-verb agreement is a recurring issue, such as 'facilities has doubled' (should be 'have') and 'cafes and shop is established' (should be 'are'). There are also errors with articles and prepositions, such as 'in the left side' (should be 'on the left side') and 'the passenger ferries remained unchanged' (the 'the' is unnecessary here). Focusing on these basic agreement and article rules will significantly improve your accuracy.

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