Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-07

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 7.5)

The layouts illustrate how a harbour looked in 2000 and how it looks in the present day.

Overall, the Porth Harbour underwent significant redevelopment, with new facilities being introduced, existing facilities being replaced or relocated.

Regarding the first layout in 2000, a dock was located in the north, with a boat and an area designated for passenger ferries, whereas showers and toilets, a marina, and a car park were located more towards the northwestern area. Furthermore, fishing boats and a second car park were situated in the southwestern area, while a lifeboat, a public beach and a castle were situated in the southeastern area.

Turning to the present layout of the Porth Harbour, another boat was introduced to the dock, other than that, it remained unchanged, while the marina in the northwestern area was replaced with fishing boats. Furthermore, the marina was relocated to the southwestern area, where showers and toilets were introduced, whereas cafes and shops were added to the southern area. By contrast, the castle was replaced with a hotel, and the public beach was transformed into a private beach for the hotel.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have provided a clear overview and successfully identified the main changes between the two time periods. You covered all key areas, such as the relocation of the marina and the introduction of new facilities like the hotel and shops. To reach a higher band, ensure that your comparisons are more precise. For example, when mentioning the 'other boat' at the dock, you could specify its location or type if visible. Additionally, ensure that all spatial descriptions are accurate; for instance, double-check the placement of the new facilities against the visual data to ensure complete accuracy in your reporting.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow a spatial progression. You use cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'Furthermore', and 'By contrast' effectively to guide the reader. The paragraphing is appropriate, separating the 2000 layout from the present-day changes. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases slightly more to avoid a repetitive structure, and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'the marina', 'the castle') remains clear throughout the text to maintain a smooth flow of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'redevelopment', 'relocated', 'designated', and 'transformed'. This allows for a clear description of the harbour's evolution. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more precise collocations or less common vocabulary related to urban planning or geographical features. For instance, instead of 'another boat was introduced', you could use 'an additional vessel was moored'. Your spelling is accurate throughout, and your word choice is generally appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'whereas showers and toilets... were located more towards the northwestern area'. Your control of grammar is generally good, and your sentences are easy to follow. There are very few grammatical errors, and the punctuation is handled well. To move into the higher bands, aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or participle clauses, to describe the changes more fluidly. Overall, your writing is accurate and demonstrates a solid command of English grammar.

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

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