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 diagrams illustrate the map of the harbour. The first one is showing the previous map of 2000. The other one is explaining the present structure.

At the beginning, in the old structure there were two entrance from main road. From the first entrance, there was a car parking in left and a area for the fishing boats next to it. Moreover, there was boats place on the end. Castle disused and public was also there.

Furthermore, from the other entrance there was also a car parking and showers and toilets was in front of car parking. Marina private yachts and public beach in the north side.

Additionally, after upgrading the arrangements, there are three gateway to harbour. The new update in the first access is cafe and shops, hotel and public beach turn into private. In addition, the separate opening for the car parking. Toilets and shower rooms are added here. The place of marina private yachts and fishing boats is exchange.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response identifies the main features of the harbour in 2000 and today, such as the changes in entrances and the relocation of facilities. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant changes. The information is presented as a list of features rather than a cohesive report. Some details are unclear, such as the reference to 'boats place on the end' and the 'disused castle'. To improve, you should provide a clear introductory overview that highlights the most striking transformations, such as the shift from a fishing-focused harbour to a more commercial and tourist-oriented facility.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'At the beginning' to start the description of the 2000 map. The progression of ideas is sometimes disjointed, particularly when moving between the two time periods. Referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to track specific locations on the map. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, such as one for the 2000 layout and another for the current layout, with a clear transition between them.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'place', 'structure', and 'map'. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and incorrect word choices, such as 'boats place on the end' and 'is exchange' instead of 'have been exchanged' or 'swapped'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe the spatial changes with precision. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more specific terminology related to maps and urban planning, such as 'relocated', 'converted', 'expanded', 'adjacent to', and 'situated in the northern sector'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'two entrance' instead of 'two entrances' and 'showers and toilets was' instead of 'were'. Articles are frequently missing or misused, for example, 'in left' instead of 'on the left'. The sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and ensuring that plural nouns are correctly formed.

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

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