Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-26

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 5.5)

The given maps illustrate the information regarding a Porth Harbour that how it looked in 2000 and what new construction takes place in today's look.

Overall, it is clear that the area underwent substantial development. While fishing boats and marina (private yachts) are relocated, a dock, cafes & shops and showers & toilets are constructed, resulting in a more development and accessible area.

Initially, marina was located north-west part of Porth Harbour, whereas fishing boats occupied south-western part. Both fishing boats and marina exchange their places, now fishing boat at north-west and marina in its opposite side. Moreover, a new dock besides the previous dock at northern side. Apart from this, castle is converted to hotel and a new road also connected with hotel. A private beach, which is now for the hotel.

In addition, showers & toilets are build at west side of Harbour. Furthermore, cafes' & shops are constructed at the adjacent to the left side of lifeboat.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the maps, identifying the key changes such as the relocation of the marina and fishing boats, the addition of new facilities, and the conversion of the castle. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview of the most significant trends. While the main features are highlighted, the reporting of the 'private beach' and the 'new road' is slightly underdeveloped. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview synthesizes the information more effectively rather than just listing changes, and provide more precise comparisons between the two time periods.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of information. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Moreover', and 'In addition' are used to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly repetitive or mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, though the flow between sentences could be improved by using more varied cohesive structures. The paragraphing is appropriate for a report of this nature, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding of the changes described.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe the changes clearly. There are some attempts to use more specific vocabulary, such as 'substantial development' and 'relocated'. However, there are instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'resulting in a more development and accessible area' (should be 'more developed') and 'exchange their places'. Some word choices are slightly imprecise, which limits the score. Expanding the range of vocabulary to include more precise verbs and adjectives related to urban planning would enhance the quality of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'how it looked in 2000 and what new construction takes place' (tense inconsistency), 'marina was located' (missing article), and 'showers & toilets are build' (incorrect verb form). These errors occur frequently but do not significantly impede communication. To improve, the student should focus on subject-verb agreement, consistent use of tenses when describing past and present states, and the correct use of articles.

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

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