Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-30

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 map chart demonstrates that how look Harbour in 2000 and now

In 2000, the showers and toilets, car park and marina private beach were located in north west corner and their below another car park and fishing boats were available for public Moreover, the middle of the map had lifeboats and road connect to main road Furthermore, in the south east corner the castle and public beach were situated and one more public beach was located in north East corner

Nowadays, there are numerous things built such as, cafes and shops are constructed in middle of the map and the castle placed to the hotel and the private beach convert into public beach and only for hotel Moreover, the fishing boats place exchange to the marina private yachts and anther public beach expand their land and 3 boats are available

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified some main features, the overview is missing, and the description of the changes is somewhat fragmented. You have attempted to compare the two maps, but the lack of a clear summary of the overall trends (such as the shift from a functional harbour to a more tourist-oriented facility) limits the development of the response. To improve, ensure you include a clear introductory sentence that paraphrases the prompt and a distinct overview paragraph that highlights the most significant changes observed between the two time periods.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as the repetitive use of 'Moreover' and 'Furthermore' to start sentences. The progression of ideas is occasionally difficult to follow because the sentences lack logical flow and clear referencing. For example, the transition between the description of the 2000 map and the current map is abrupt. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through the information.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'things', 'built', and 'placed'. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'fishing boats place exchange to the marina' and 'anther public beach expand their land'. These errors occasionally make the meaning unclear. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise vocabulary related to maps and changes, such as 'transformed', 'converted', 'extended', or 'replaced'. Expanding your range of descriptive language will help you convey the changes more accurately and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that impede readability. There are issues with article usage ('in north west corner'), subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure ('The map chart demonstrates that how look Harbour'). Many sentences are fragmented or lack necessary prepositions. While you have attempted some complex ideas, the execution is often faulty. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence structures, including correct subject-verb-object order and the appropriate use of articles and prepositions. Proofreading for basic errors like missing verbs or incorrect tense usage will significantly improve the clarity of your writing.

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

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