Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-25
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 5.0)
The maps illustrate the changes that took place in a harbour in 200 and between 2000 and present day.
Overall, the harbour underwent significant development over the period. Several new facilities were constructed, while some existing features were either replaced or expanded. However, a number of landmarks remained unchanged.
On the left hand side of the harbour, the Showers and toilets, car park were located northen western part of harbour in 2000 However Now present day Another one showers and toilets and car park is established. In 2000, the Marina was located in the near of carkpark as well as fishing boats showed below the marina but Nowsdays these place are replaced.
Similarly, On the right hand side of the harbour, Castle was located in the south east coner in 2000, However present day this was is replace by Hotel and public beach also changed by private beach. In 2000, the lifeboat was located in the middle center of harbour, whereas same in nowdays but cafes and shops are add in present day in harbour.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the harbour, identifying key changes such as the new hotel and the conversion of the public beach. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview of the most significant transformations. Some details are imprecise, such as the vague reference to 'another one showers and toilets' and the confusing description of the marina's location. To improve, focus on grouping features more logically (e.g., land-based vs. water-based changes) and ensure that the comparison between 2000 and the present is clearly articulated without relying on repetitive sentence structures.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the flow between ideas is often disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes awkward, such as the repetitive use of 'In 2000' and 'However'. The transition between the left and right sides of the harbour is functional but lacks sophistication. Referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when describing the movement or replacement of facilities. To achieve a higher band, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus, rather than simply listing changes in a linear fashion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'in the near of carkpark' and 'these place are replaced'. The repetition of basic verbs like 'located' and 'changed' limits the range. To improve, incorporate more specific vocabulary related to map descriptions, such as 'situated', 'transformed', 'converted', 'extended', or 'demolished'. Spelling errors, such as 'northen' and 'Nowsdays', also detract from the overall quality of the writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. While there are attempts at complex sentences, they are often marred by grammatical errors, such as 'this was is replace' and 'cafes and shops are add'. Punctuation is inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and capitalisation (e.g., 'Castle', 'Hotel'). The frequent errors in verb tense and passive voice construction impede the clarity of the report. To improve, focus on mastering the passive voice for describing changes and ensure subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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