Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The two plans illustrate the layout of Porth Harbour before its redesign and after its arrangement.

Overall, tha harbour has undergone significant changes with the introduction of private beach and hotel. Some of the previous developments have been retained while others installed or replaced by new ones. Cafés and shops been newly constructed. Showers and toilets and car park were also added.

In 2000, dock was on the northeast side while public beach was on steps ahead of the dock where passengers could see the beach through ferries. Showers and toilets, car park, marina( private yachts) were on the adjacent to tha main road. Fishing boats and another parking area were on the northwest side to the

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. Furthermore, the description is incomplete; the text cuts off abruptly in the second paragraph, leaving the comparison of the 'today' layout largely unaddressed. While the introduction and the first paragraph attempt to identify main features, the lack of a full summary and the failure to complete the report mean that the task is only partially addressed. To improve, you must ensure you describe all key changes shown in the diagrams and provide a complete, balanced overview of both time periods.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response shows some attempt at logical organization by separating the overview from the specific details. However, the abrupt ending severely disrupts the flow and coherence of the text. Cohesive devices are used in a very basic manner, such as 'In 2000' and 'Overall'. The paragraphing is present, but the second paragraph is underdeveloped and unfinished, which prevents the development of a clear progression of ideas. To improve, ensure that each paragraph is fully developed and that you use a wider range of linking words to connect your observations about the changes between the two maps.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. While terms like 'redesign', 'significant changes', and 'introduced' are relevant, there are noticeable errors in word choice and phrasing, such as 'arrangement' instead of 'layout' and 'steps ahead of the dock'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey basic information, but it lacks the precision and variety required for higher bands. There are also minor spelling errors, such as 'tha' instead of 'the'. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and nouns related to urban planning and map interpretation will help improve your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are frequent omissions of articles (e.g., 'dock was on the northeast side', 'car park were also added') and issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'Cafés and shops been newly constructed'). The sentence structures are relatively simple, and the attempt at more complex structures is hampered by these persistent errors. To improve, focus on the correct use of articles, consistent verb tenses when describing past and present states, and ensuring that all sentences have a clear subject and verb.

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

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