Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)
The plans illustrate the changes that have taken place in Porth Harbour between 2000 and the present day.
Overall, the harbour has undergone several significant changes, including the relocation of the fishing boats and private-yacht marina, the construction of new facilities, and the conversion of the disused castle into a hotel. However, some features, such as the main road, car parks and public beach, have remained unchanged.
In 2000, the fishing boats were located in the central part of the harbour, while the marina for private yachts was situated in the north-western area. To the north-east, there was a dock used by passenger ferries, next to a public beach. There were also two car parks and a showers-and-toilets facility near the main road. In the south-east, there was a lifeboat and a disused castle beside another public beach.
Today, the fishing boats have been moved to the former marina area, while the private-yacht marina has been relocated to the former fishing-boat area. A second showers-and-toilets facility has been added between the two car parks, and an additional passenger-ferry area has been constructed beside the existing dock. In the southern part of the harbour, cafés and shops have been built next to the lifeboat. Finally, the disused castle has been replaced by a hotel, and the nearby public beach has become a private beach for hotel guests.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all key changes, including the relocation of the marina and fishing boats, the addition of new facilities, and the conversion of the castle. The overview is clear and effectively synthesises the main trends, such as the shift from public to private use in certain areas. You have made relevant comparisons between the two time periods, ensuring the reader can easily follow the transformation of the harbour. All parts of the prompt are addressed thoroughly, and the information is well-selected to provide a comprehensive summary of the visual data provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. You use paragraphing effectively to separate the introduction and overview from the detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'to the north-east', 'today', and 'finally' are used naturally to guide the reader through the spatial changes. The referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader can track the movement of specific features like the fishing boats and the marina without confusion. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the overall structure is highly coherent.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'relocation', 'conversion', 'disused', and 'constructed'. The language is natural and appropriate for an academic report. You avoid repetition by using varied synonyms and descriptive phrases to explain the changes. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it stays within a standard range; incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or nuanced descriptive verbs could elevate this further, but the current level is already very effective and precise.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
Your grammar is highly accurate, with a wide range of sentence structures used correctly. You effectively employ passive voice constructions, such as 'have been moved' and 'has been replaced', which are ideal for describing processes and changes in maps. Complex sentences are handled with ease, and there are no significant errors in punctuation or syntax. The control over tense usage—shifting from the past tense for the 2000 state to the present perfect for the changes—is handled perfectly, ensuring clarity throughout the report.
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