Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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 student successfully covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features of the harbour in 2000 and the present day. Key transformations, such as the conversion of the disused castle into a hotel, the expansion of the marina, and the addition of a second dock, are clearly reported. Comparisons between the two time periods are well made, such as noting that fishing boats were previously larger and that cafes, shops, and a passenger toilet have been introduced. The overview effectively summarises the main changes, fulfilling the requirements for Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised and progresses clearly from an introduction to an overview, followed by specific details of the past layout and current features. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In 2000', 'Looking at the present-day plan', and 'Additionally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with distinct sections for the introduction, overview, past features, and present features. Referencing is generally clear, resulting in a cohesive piece of writing that fits the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task with some flexibility and precision, using terms like 'disused', 'marina', 'transformed', and 'expanded'. There is an attempt to use less common items with appropriate awareness of context. However, some minor awkwardness in word choice occurs, such as 'private yachts and one toilet' in a slightly repetitive list structure, and minor collocation lapses. Nevertheless, the vocabulary is adequate to convey the message clearly, aligning well with a Band 6.5 or solid 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including relative clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'where passengers could park their private yachts', 'whereas the castle was disused'). There is a high proportion of error-free sentences, and grammar and punctuation are generally well-controlled throughout the text. Minor slips do not impede communication. The structural variety and accuracy support a Band 7 score.

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

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