Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-28
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 8.0)
The plans illustrate the changes that have taken place in Porth Harbour between 2000 and the present day.
Overall, the harbour has been considerably modernised, with several facilities added for tourists, while some original features, such as the fishing area and castle, have been replaced or changed. The area has become more focused on leisure and tourism.
In 2000, the western side of the harbour contained two car parks, showers and toilets, a marina for private yachts, and a separate area for fishing boats. To the north-east, there was a dock and a passenger ferry service, while a public beach was located further north. A lifeboat station was situated near the road in the southern part of the harbour, and a castle was found on the south-eastern side.
Today, the harbour has undergone several developments. The fishing boat area has been moved to the north-west, where new showers and toilets have been built, while the previous fishing boat area has been converted into a larger marina for private yachts. In addition, cafés and shops have been constructed along the road near the lifeboat station, providing more facilities for visitors.
Another major change is that the castle in the south-east has been removed and replaced by a hotel. The southern beach area has also become private rather than public. However, the dock, passenger ferries, lifeboat station, main road, and northern public beach have remained largely unchanged. Overall, Porth Harbour has developed from a mainly fishing and transport-based harbour into a more commercial destination.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main features of the harbour in both 2000 and the present day, providing a logical comparison between the two timeframes. The overview is well-crafted, highlighting the shift from a fishing-based harbour to a commercial, tourism-oriented one. You have covered all significant changes, such as the relocation of the fishing area, the expansion of the marina, and the addition of tourist facilities like shops and a hotel. The information is accurate and well-supported by the visual data, meeting all requirements for a high-band response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The response is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction and overview, the state of the harbour in 2000, and the developments that have occurred since. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'Another major change', and 'However', to guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the historical state from the current state, ensuring the information is easy to follow. The flow is natural and coherent throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and trends. Phrases such as 'considerably modernised', 'converted into', and 'transport-based harbour' show a good level of precision. The vocabulary is used accurately to describe spatial changes and functional shifts. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or precise descriptive terms (e.g., 'undergone a transformation' or 'redeveloped') could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports clear communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The writing is highly accurate with a variety of complex sentence structures. You successfully use passive voice constructions (e.g., 'has been moved', 'have been built', 'has been removed') which is essential for describing changes in a process or plan. There are virtually no grammatical errors, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over tense—switching between the past simple for 2000 and the present perfect for changes—is handled with precision. The sentence variety is good, and the overall grammatical quality is very high.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.