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 there was a 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 has been 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 addresses all parts of the task by summarizing the main features of the harbour in 2000 and comparing them with its current appearance. Key transformations are identified, such as the castle being converted into a hotel, the expansion of the marina, and the addition of a second dock, passenger toilets, cafes, and shops. The overview paragraph captures the most salient changes effectively. While some minor details could be extended further to achieve a higher level of development, the selection and reporting of the main features are clear and accurate. Therefore, the response aligns well with the Band 7 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response presents a clear overall progression from the introduction to the overview and body paragraphs. Information and ideas are logically organized, contrasting the past layout with current changes effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In 2000', 'Looking at the present-day plan', and 'Additionally' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate the introduction, overview, and specific spatial descriptions. Although referencing and cohesion are generally clear, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, placing this response solidly at Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms related to maps and geographical features such as 'layout', 'disused', 'marina', 'transformed', and 'expansion'. While the vocabulary is generally appropriate and allows for clear communication, it lacks the flexibility, precision, and sophistication of less common lexical items required for higher bands. There are occasional repetitive word choices, such as 'beach' and 'dock', but spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, supporting a Band 6.5 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms quite effectively, demonstrating good control over past and present tenses needed for a comparison map task. Examples include subordinate clauses such as 'while the castle was disused' and relative clauses like 'which is directly connected'. Punctuation is generally accurate, and grammar errors are rare and do not impede communication. While the range of complex structures is somewhat limited compared to higher bands, the frequent error-free sentences and solid control over basic and intermediate grammar place this text at a Band 7.0.

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

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