Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The maps illustrate the changes undergone by Porth Harbour between 2000 and the present time.
Overall, Porth Harbour has undergone substantial redevelopment with significant changes being made to its layout and facilities. While new facilities such as a dock, cafes and shops have been added, certain existing facilities have swapped locations or have been converted into different buildings.
In 2000, the south-eastern part of the port consisted of an unused castle along with a beach accessible to the public and a facility for lifeboat. To the left of it, were spaces for a car park and fishing boats. While the north-western part housed facilities like an additional car park, showers and toilets, and the marina, the part to the east consisted of a single dock.
In the present time, the castle to the south of the port has been converted into a hotel with the beach also becoming private, accessible only to hotel guests and staff. A new road going west to east has been added connecting the hotel to the main road. Facilities like cafes and shops and showers and toilets have been added to the west of the harbour. The locations of the marina and fishing boats were exchanged with each other whereas another dock has been added to the port.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response effectively covers all key features of the maps. You have successfully identified the main changes, such as the conversion of the castle to a hotel, the privatization of the beach, and the relocation of the marina and fishing boats. The overview is clear and highlights the significant redevelopment of the harbour. You have made relevant comparisons between the two time periods, such as noting the addition of a new road and the expansion of facilities. The information is well-selected and reported accurately, meeting the requirements for a clear summary of the visual data provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the past and present states respectively. Cohesive devices are used effectively to link ideas, such as 'While', 'In the present time', and 'whereas'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two time periods, which aids readability. The progression of information is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is coherent and allows the reader to follow the changes in the harbour layout without difficulty.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and changes, such as 'substantial redevelopment', 'converted', 'accessible', and 'relocation'. The word choices are generally precise and contribute to a professional tone. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede meaning. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms or descriptive phrases related to spatial changes could elevate the score further, but the current range is well-suited for this task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The response uses a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('While new facilities... have been added', 'The locations... were exchanged... whereas another dock has been added'). Grammar is generally accurate, with only minor slips, such as 'facility for lifeboat' (should be 'a lifeboat facility') and 'In the present time' (which is slightly unnatural; 'Currently' or 'Today' would be better). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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