Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-03
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 7.0)
The maps illustrate the changes that have taken place in Porth Harbour, comparing its layout in 2000 with the present day.
Overall, the Porth Harbour underwent significant changes, particularly the addition of hotels, cafes and shops while some facilities, such as lifeboat and public beach, remained unchanged.
In 2000, there was only one restroom in the northwest of harbour, but another restroom has been constructed in the southwest, north to the car parking. Another noticeable change is that the locations of the Marina (private yacts) and fishing boats have been swapped, with the fishing boats now occupying a larger area. There was only one dock for boats, whereas there are now two docks positioned parallel to each other.
Regarding the renovation of the southern area, the lifeboat has remained unchanged over the following years, while cafes and shops have been constructed next to it. Furthermore, there was a disused castle in the southeast of the harbour, which has been replaced by a hotel. In addition, a new access road has been constructed leading to the hotel. The public beach beside the castle also converted into a private beach, constructed primarily for the hotel's guests.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response effectively covers the requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main changes and supported this with specific details from the maps. You successfully identified key developments, such as the addition of hotels and the reconfiguration of the boat areas. The comparison between 2000 and the present is consistent throughout. To reach a higher band, ensure that all spatial descriptions are precise; for example, 'north to the car parking' is slightly awkward phrasing. Overall, you have successfully highlighted the most significant features, meeting the requirements for a well-developed response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group information thematically. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'Furthermore', and 'In addition' helps to guide the reader through the changes. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate different areas of the harbour. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the 2000 layout and the current layout is clearly established. The flow is natural, and the use of referencing is generally accurate, contributing to a coherent piece of writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'reconfiguration', 'occupying', and 'renovation' appropriately. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'yacts' (spelling error: yachts) and 'north to the car parking' (should be 'north of'). However, these do not impede communication. You have used some less common vocabulary effectively, such as 'disused' and 'parallel'. To improve, focus on more precise collocations and ensure spelling is accurate throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and your control of tense is generally good, correctly shifting between the past state and the present situation. There are a few minor grammatical slips, such as 'in the northwest of harbour' (missing 'the') and 'public beach... also converted' (should be 'was also converted'). These are non-systematic errors that do not affect the clarity of your report. You show a good command of punctuation and sentence structure.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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