Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-08
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 both diagrams compare the changes Porth Harbour went through from 2000 till today.
Overall, the harbour underwent significant changes. Many new constructions and changes are made in it with passage of time. A few new sites are introduced and some of them are replaced with each other.
The number of docks is increased for an extra passenger ferry. The abandoned castle is replaced by a hotel and the public beach beside the castle is privatized for hotel guests. A new road is constructed to give access to hotel.
New cafes and shops are introduced near lifeboat area. New showers and toilets are made in car parking area. Fishing boats and private yachts are replaced with each other to increase area for yachts. There is an increase in number of ferries for passengers.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main features of the harbour, such as the hotel replacing the castle and the changes to the docks, the analysis is quite brief. You have not fully developed the comparisons or provided enough detail to reach the required length. To improve, you should expand on the specific locations and the nature of the changes, ensuring you provide a more comprehensive overview of the spatial shifts between 2000 and today.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into short paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite limited and mechanical. Phrases like 'The number of docks is increased' and 'New cafes and shops are introduced' feel repetitive in their structure. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases to connect your ideas more fluidly, rather than relying on simple sentence-by-sentence reporting.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher levels. You rely on basic verbs like 'made', 'introduced', and 'increased'. While these are accurate, they do not demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary. To improve, try to incorporate more specific terminology related to urban planning or geographical changes, such as 'transformed', 'converted', 'expanded', or 'redeveloped', to describe the modifications to the harbour more effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The grammar is generally clear, and the meaning is rarely obscured by errors. However, the range of structures is limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences or basic passive constructions. For example, 'Many new constructions and changes are made in it' is grammatically functional but lacks complexity. To improve, you should aim to incorporate more complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or varied introductory phrases, to demonstrate greater control over your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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