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 boats were considerably larger. 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 a 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 6.5

The response successfully covers all key features of the two maps comparing the harbour in 2000 with the present day. You provide a clear overview in your introduction and second paragraph, noting major transformations such as the addition of a hotel, second dock, and expanded marina facilities. Comparisons are made effectively across the time periods, for instance contrasting the disused castle in 2000 with the new hotel and private beach today. The information is accurately reported without any significant omissions, fulfilling the requirements for Task Achievement at a high level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organised, moving from an introductory overview to specific details comparing the past and present layouts. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group related features, and clear cohesive devices are employed, such as 'Overall', 'In 2000', 'Looking at the present-day plan', and 'Additionally'. While progression is clear throughout, some of the linking phrases feel slightly repetitive or mechanical, preventing a higher band score. Nonetheless, referencing and referencing markers are managed well.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing maps and spatial changes, incorporating terms like 'disused', 'marina', 'expanded', and 'transformed'. There are attempts at less common lexical items such as 'private yachts' and 'passenger toilets'. However, word choice and collocation occasionally border on repetitive, and phrases like 'allowing visitors to enjoy the beach' follow a basic pattern. Communication is smooth and clear, with no spelling errors noted.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response exhibits a satisfactory mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilising relative clauses and prepositional phrases (e.g., 'where passengers could park their private yachts' and 'which is directly connected to the road'). Control over grammar is generally good, and most sentences are clear and comprehensible. There are minor awkward constructions, such as repeating 'there was' or 'there are', but errors are infrequent and do not impede communication, supporting a solid band 6.5 rating.

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

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