Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-05

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 MAPS ILLUSTRATE INFORMATION THAT WHAT THINGS IN PORT HARBOUR CHANGED FORM 2000 TO TODAY. THE MAP CONTAIN MAIN ROAD, DOCK, PUBLIC BEACH AND ETC.

IN 2000, THERE WAS MAIN ROAD IN WEST SIDE OF DOCK AND IT STILL THERE IN TODAY'S TIME. ALSO THERE IS NO CHANGES IN SHOWERS AND TOILETS AND CAR PARKI IN NORTH SIDE. HOWEVER, THERE WAS MARINA (PRIVATE YACHTS ) IN NORTH WEST SIDE IN 2000 THAT CHANGING INTO FISHING BOAT IN CURRENT TIME. ALSO THERE WAS PUBLIC BEACH IN 2000 IN EAST SIDE OF DOCK THAT STILL THERE IN CURRENT TIME. IN 20s THERE WAS 1 DOCK AND THAT CHANG INTO 2 DOCK IN RECENT TIME.

NOW IN SOUTH SIDE OF MAP IN PAST THERE WAS SHOWERS & TOILET IN SOUTH WEST SIDE THAT REMOVED AS PER CURRENT MAP. THERE WAS CASTLE IN 2000 IN SOUTH EAST SIDE THAT CHANGED TO HOTEL. AND THE HOTEL BOUGHT THE PUBLIC BEACH AND MAKE IT PRIVATE BEACH. AND ALSO HOTEL MADE SPECIFIC ROAD. THERE WAS NOO CAFES & SHOPS IN PORTH HARBOUR THAT ALSO ADDED IN CURRENT TIME.

THERE ARE MAINLY CHANGES SHOW IN SOUTH SIDE OF PORTH.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the maps, such as the addition of cafes, the hotel conversion, and the changes to the marina and docks. However, the report lacks a clear overview, which is essential for a Band 6 or higher. The information is presented in a somewhat disjointed manner, and the description of the changes is occasionally inaccurate or confusing, such as the claim that the public beach was bought and made private, which is not clearly supported by the visual evidence. To improve, ensure you provide a clear summary of the most significant trends in an introductory overview and focus on reporting the data more precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'also', 'there was'). The progression of ideas is sometimes unclear, particularly when moving between different areas of the harbour. Referencing is occasionally confusing, such as the use of 'in 20s' to refer to the year 2000. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, such as grouping changes by location or type of development.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'what things in port harbour changed form' and 'that changing into'. The spelling of 'CAR PARKI' and 'NOO' (for no) also detracts from the quality. While the student attempts to describe the changes, the range of vocabulary is not sufficient to convey the information with precision. To reach a higher band, focus on using more varied verbs for change (e.g., 'transformed', 'converted', 'expanded') and ensure accurate spelling and word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including issues with verb tenses ('that changing into'), articles ('in west side'), and sentence structure ('THE MAP CONTAIN MAIN ROAD'). Many sentences are simple or contain errors that occasionally impede the flow of information. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, which limits the score in this criterion. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring that verb tenses are used consistently when describing past and present states.

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

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