Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-12
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 given map depicts the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
To begin with, in the east side there is castle which is not in use anymore and there is also public beach nearby the castle. Furthermore, in the center there are ferries for the passenger and also lifeboat there.
Moreover, in the south direction there is also one pulic beach and also there are two dock for ferries. Also, on the west direction there are two showers and toilets for the individuals and two car park which is attached with the main road. Moreover, there are fishing boat space and marina space for private yachts in the south side. There are also cafes and shops nearby the marina.
Overall,
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5
The student attempts to summarise the main features of the maps, noting elements such as the castle, public beaches, ferries, and car parks. However, the response fails to meet the minimum word count of 150 words, coming in at only 127 words. Furthermore, the description cuts off abruptly at the end with 'Overall,', meaning there is no concluding overview provided. This results in an incomplete task response. Features are listed in a somewhat disjointed manner rather than being fully synthesised or compared systematically across the two time periods, which keeps the score at a Band 4.5.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response makes use of basic cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', 'Moreover', and 'Overall'. However, the paragraphing is underdeveloped, and the text ends prematurely, leaving the overall structure incomplete. The logical progression is somewhat hindered by listing individual map features without a clear overarching structure to compare the past and present layouts effectively. Referencing is occasionally repetitive, leading to a mechanical feel in how information is linked. Cohesion is sufficient to follow at a basic level, earning a Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is very basic and repetitive, relying heavily on words like 'beach', 'ferries', 'car park', and directional terms like 'east side', 'center', and 'south direction'. There are noticeable awkward phrasings, such as 'two dock for ferries' (lack of pluralisation) and 'fishing boat space and marina space'. The student makes no successful attempt at less common lexical items appropriate for a map comparison task, such as 'transformed', 'converted', or 'relocated'. The vocabulary is minimally adequate for basic description, fitting Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5
The grammatical structures are relatively simple and repetitive, mostly consisting of 'there is' and 'there are' sentence patterns. There are noticeable grammatical errors, such as 'two dock' instead of 'two docks' and 'car park which is attached' instead of plural 'parks which are'. Punctuation is basic, and the incomplete ending demonstrates a failure to complete a full sentence. While simple sentences are generally understandable, the range of structures is extremely limited, justifying a Band 4.5.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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