Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-02
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 represent a plan of perth harbour in 2000 and how it looks now.
Overall, there are several changes done in perth harbour from 2000 to now. The most significant change is construction of cafes and shops in south direction near lifeboat area. Another important change is replacing of castle on the south west direction of map by hotel.
On the north-west side, marina area was there in 2000 for private yachts which is now interchanged by fishing boats area. and new showers and toilets are constructed near by main road. Furthermore, in 2000 there was only one dock entrance in north but now two dock parking is build. Moreover, car parking in west side are now linked with main road.
In addition, a new cafes and shops are now open near road which link to lifeboat area in south direction. Moreover, a hotel is constructed in place of castle on the south-east side on a island along with that facility of private beach is also avaliable for people who stay in hotel.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the maps, identifying key changes such as the new cafes, the hotel, and the modifications to the marina and docks. However, there are some inaccuracies in the reporting of information. For instance, you mention the hotel is on the 'south-west' and then later the 'south-east' side, which creates confusion. Additionally, the description of the dock entrance and parking is somewhat vague. To improve, ensure that directional references are precise and consistent throughout the report. While the main features are selected, the comparison between the two time periods could be more analytical rather than just listing changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on different areas of the harbour. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Moreover', and 'In addition' are used to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by minor errors in referencing and sentence structure. For example, the transition between the description of the marina and the showers is slightly abrupt. The paragraphing is generally appropriate, but the internal cohesion within paragraphs could be strengthened by ensuring that the progression of ideas is smoother and less repetitive.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'marina', 'lifeboat area', and 'private yachts'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'interchanged by' instead of 'replaced by' or 'converted into', and 'two dock parking is build' which is grammatically and lexically awkward. There is also some repetition of basic verbs like 'constructed' and 'open'. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise synonyms and collocations related to urban planning and map description, such as 'transformed', 'developed', or 'situated'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally affect clarity. Examples include 'there are several changes done' (should be 'have been made'), 'replacing of castle' (should be 'the replacement of the castle'), and 'a new cafes and shops are now open' (subject-verb agreement error). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some sentences starting with lowercase letters or missing necessary articles. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage would be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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