Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The maps compare the past and present layout of a harbour from 2000 to the date.

Overall, it is evident that there has been a considerable redevelopment in the harbour in terms of accomodation, infrastructure, and recreational amenities. At a glance, it can be seen that some landmarks such as the main road, car park, showers & toilets at the north-western corner, passenger ferry facility, lifeboat centre and public beach at the top remained considerably unchanged. However, the recent layout shows that the harbour has become more commercial with numerous additional facilities.

In 2000, Port Habour offered a car park facility in the bypass of the main road running from north to south. Adjacant to this was the showers and toilets facilities just above the parking lot. The current plan still retains these two areas without any change. The old marina, just to the east of these facilities, has been replaced by the fishing boats, and it has been shifted to the location priviously used for the latter facility. The dock area to the central north side has been expanded to facilitate two lanes for ferries, while the passenger ferries remained in its previous location. The private beach along the north-eastern side remained unchanged.

However, in the southern side of the harbour the old car park has been accompanied with another shower and toilet facility to its north. Along with that, a road connecting the main road with lifeboat to the south-eastern corner has been extended which connects to a newly constructed hotel which was previously occupied by a disused castle. Some cafes and shops have been introduced to the west of the lifeboat. Furthermore, the public beach at the southern side has been tranformed into a private one for the hotel guests.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers all key features of the harbour's transformation. You have successfully identified the main changes, such as the expansion of the dock, the introduction of the hotel, and the shift in recreational facilities. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the trends. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise; for instance, the description of the marina being 'replaced by the fishing boats' is slightly ambiguous regarding the spatial layout. Overall, the information is well-selected and logically reported, meeting the requirements for a high-level response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You use paragraphing effectively to separate the overview from the detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'However', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore' are used appropriately to guide the reader. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions between sentences could be more varied to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Referencing is generally clear, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of the spatial changes described in the maps.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary relevant to describing maps and urban development, such as 'redevelopment', 'infrastructure', 'amenities', and 'disused'. There are a few minor spelling errors, such as 'accomodation' (accommodation), 'Adjacant' (Adjacent), and 'priviously' (previously). These do not impede communication but prevent a higher score. You show an ability to use topic-specific terminology effectively, which is a strength. Focusing on proofreading for common spelling errors will help you achieve a higher band in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most sentences are clear and grammatically sound. There are occasional minor errors, such as 'remained in its previous location' (should be 'remained in their previous locations' to agree with 'ferries') and 'the old car park has been accompanied with' (should be 'accompanied by'). Despite these occasional slips, your control of grammar is generally strong, and the meaning is always clear. The punctuation is used effectively to manage complex ideas.

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

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