Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-31

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 illustrate port harbour main two main map of port How it was in 2002 and how it change for now

Overall south of cost shows that hotel been constructed new adding next to private beach

While in the main road adding second road

And doubling docks by the north of ports

Port today has been constructed widely open new range of facilities and develop urbanization

In the main road relocation of fishing boat and car park also adding showers and toilets in the north While it was in 2002 in the south of second main road however marina private yachts also re located to the south instead place of fishing boats in 2002 just across of marina there was life boat there has been adding café shops and newly constructed road taken two passages to the life boat and hotel

Moreover in the north east of ports While there was only one dock there been adding second dock and public beach remain as it was

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to describe the changes between 2000 and the present day. While it identifies some key features like the hotel, docks, and road changes, the information is presented in a fragmented and often confusing manner. The overview is weak and lacks a clear summary of the most significant trends, such as the overall expansion of facilities. Several details are inaccurate or difficult to follow, such as the description of the marina and lifeboat locations. To improve, you must provide a clear, structured overview of the main changes and ensure that specific locations are described with greater precision and clarity.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay lacks logical paragraphing, appearing as a series of disjointed sentences rather than a cohesive report. There is a lack of clear progression; the transition between the 2000 layout and current developments is muddled. Cohesive devices are either missing or used incorrectly, such as the repetitive use of 'While' and 'And' to start sentences. The lack of clear referencing makes it difficult for the reader to track which area of the harbour is being discussed. To improve, use clear paragraph breaks for different areas or themes and employ a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas logically.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. You rely on basic verbs like 'adding', 'constructed', and 'change', which do not accurately describe the spatial transformations shown in the maps. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'develop urbanization' and 'just across of marina'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic topic, but it lacks the precision and range required for a higher band score. Focus on learning specific terminology for describing maps, such as 'relocated', 'expanded', 'converted', and 'situated'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The grammar is significantly flawed, which frequently impedes communication. There are consistent errors in subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The map illustrate', 'hotel been constructed'), missing articles, and incorrect preposition usage. Sentence structures are often incomplete or run-on, making the text difficult to parse. There is very little evidence of complex sentence structures, and the frequent errors in basic grammar indicate a lack of control. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, including correct tense usage for describing past and present states, and ensure that every sentence has a clear subject and verb.

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