Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-13

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 6.0)

The provided map illustrates the layout of the harbour in 2000 and its current appearance.

Overall, it can be seen that in 2000, the castle was disused and there was only one dock in the north. In the present-day plan, a hotel, a second dock and passenger toilets have been added.

In 2000, there was a marina in the west for passengers where passengers could park their private yachts and one toilet. Also the fishing boat was considerably large. Moreover there was a public beach where passengers could relax and two car parks connected to the main road whereas the castle was disused.

Looking at the present-day plan, there are two car parks that directly link to the main road and two toilets. The marina area has been expanded. Additionally cafes and shops have been added. However, the old castle was transformed into hotel which is directly connected to the road and has a private beach, allowing visitors to enjoy the beach. A second dock was added to the eastern side of the harbour.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and selecting and reporting the main features of the harbour in 2000 compared to today. The response highlights key changes such as the addition of the hotel, the second dock, expanded marina facilities, and cafes. An overall summary is provided in the second paragraph, capturing the main contrasts effectively. While some details could be slightly more integrated or extended for a higher band, the main features are well-covered, fulfilling the requirements for Band 6.5 to 7.0. We award a Band 6.5 here because certain comparisons and details are a bit mechanical rather than fully integrated.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, starting with an introduction, followed by an overall summary, a description of the 2000 layout, and finally the present-day layout. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall', 'In 2000', 'Also', 'Moreover', and 'Looking at the present-day plan'. However, some cohesive devices feel slightly repetitive or mechanical, particularly the repetitive starting phrases of the paragraphs. Paragraphing is adequate, but the logical progression between some sentences could be smoother to reach higher band levels. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow, earning a solid Band 6.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing maps and spatial changes, using terms such as 'disused', 'marina', 'private yachts', and 'transformed into'. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, though occasional word choice and phrasing feel slightly unnatural or basic, such as 'the fishing boat was considerably large'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary does not impede communication. This performance aligns well with the Band 6.0 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'where passengers could park their private yachts' and 'which is directly connected to the road'). There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as missing articles ('transformed into hotel') and minor punctuation issues. However, these errors do not impede communication, and the complex structures show an adequate range of grammar for the task, justifying a Band 6.0.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.