Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The plans show a harbour in 2000 and how it looks today.
Overall, it is clear that castle(disused) is converted into hotel today. Public beach are converted into private beach(for the hotel) today.
In 2000, there is one showers & toilets, two car parking on the north side. Where on the other hand there are two showers & toilets and two car park on the north side of porth harbour today. There is marine private yachts on the north side near car park but in today marine private yachts is on the south side near main road second path and fishing boats is on the north side. There is one dock on the north side but today there two dock for people now. Lifeboat is along side with road but today there is a cafes & shops is close to lifeboat. Castle(disused) but today we used them as hotel. Public beach on the south corner is converted into private beach used for the hotel only now. Public beach on the north corner remain the same in both. Passenger ferries remain the same in both plans that are near the dock.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
You have successfully identified the main features of the harbour, such as the conversion of the castle into a hotel and the changes to the beach and facilities. However, the response lacks a clear structure and logical grouping of information. While you mention most changes, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a cohesive overview of the spatial layout. To improve, ensure you group features logically (e.g., infrastructure, leisure facilities, and maritime changes) rather than listing them in a disjointed manner. The overview is present but could be more detailed to better highlight the significant transformations between 2000 and today.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is somewhat difficult to follow because it lacks clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices. You rely heavily on simple sentence structures and repetitive phrases like 'today' and 'in 2000'. The transition between ideas is often abrupt, making the progression of information feel mechanical. To reach a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'whereas', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') to connect your sentences and ideas. Additionally, organizing your report into distinct paragraphs—one for the overview and one or two for the detailed comparisons—would significantly improve the logical flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is functional but limited, often relying on basic terms like 'showers', 'car parking', and 'today'. There is some repetition of words, which restricts the range. While you successfully use terms like 'converted' and 'remain the same', you need to incorporate more precise vocabulary related to maps and urban development, such as 'transformed', 'expanded', 'relocated', or 'demolished'. Additionally, there are some minor errors in word choice and phrasing, such as 'marine private yachts' and 'there two dock', which slightly hinder the natural flow of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'Public beach are', 'there two dock'), missing articles, and awkward sentence construction (e.g., 'Where on the other hand there are...'). These errors are noticeable and occasionally cause the reader to pause, though they do not completely impede communication. To improve, focus on basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of plural nouns. Practicing more complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or passive voice, will also help you demonstrate a wider range of grammatical control.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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