Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-14

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 7.5)

The plans illustrate the changes that have taken place in Porth Harbour between 2000 and the present day.

Overall, the harbour has been considerably modernised, with several facilities added for tourists, while some original features, such as the fishing area and castle, have been replaced or changed. The area has become more focused on leisure and tourism.

In 2000, the western side of the harbour contained two car parks, showers and toilets, a marina for private yachts, and a separate area for fishing boats. To the north-east, there was a dock and a passenger ferry service, while a public beach was located further north. A lifeboat station was situated near the road in the southern part of the harbour, and a castle was found on the south-eastern side.

Today, the harbour has undergone several developments. The fishing boat area has been moved to the north-west, where new showers and toilets have been built, while the previous fishing boat area has been converted into a larger marina for private yachts. In addition, cafés and shops have been constructed along the road near the lifeboat station, providing more facilities for visitors.

Another major change is that the castle in the south-east has been removed and replaced by a hotel. The southern beach area has also become private rather than public. However, the dock, passenger ferries, lifeboat station, main road, and northern public beach have remained largely unchanged. Overall, Porth Harbour has developed from a mainly fishing and transport-based harbour into a more commercial destination.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and detailed comparisons of Porth Harbour between 2000 and the present day. You successfully identify major developments, such as the relocation of the fishing boat area, the expansion of the marina, the removal of the castle to make way for a hotel, and the privatisation of the southern beach. The overview captures the main trend effectively, noting how the area shifted from a fishing and transport hub to a leisure and commercial destination. All key features from both maps are reported accurately without any noticeable omissions. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 8 descriptor, as all parts of the task are covered well with well-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Your writing demonstrates a clear and logical organisation from start to finish. The response is divided into sensible paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, followed by an overarching summary, a detailed description of the past layout, current developments, and a concluding synthesis. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'In 2000', 'To the north-east', 'Today', and 'Another major change is that', which guide the reader smoothly through the spatial comparison. Referencing is consistently clear throughout the text. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the information flows without any confusion, easily meeting the criteria for a Band 8 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible vocabulary range suited to describing diagram changes. Appropriate terms such as 'modernised', 'relocated', 'converted', and 'commercial destination' are used fluently and accurately. You successfully incorporate less common vocabulary items like 'marina', 'lifeboat station', and 'passenger ferry service' with good collocation and style. Word choices are precise, and there are no spelling or word-formation errors that disrupt the flow of reading. While it stops just short of the highly sophisticated control required for a Band 9, the lexical range used here is robust, natural, and accurately deployed, easily securing a Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('while some original features... have been replaced', 'where new showers and toilets have been built'). The majority of your sentences are completely error-free, showcasing excellent control over verb tenses used to describe past states versus current realities. Punctuation is handled accurately throughout. There are only very occasional minor awkwardnesses, but these never impede communication or strain the reader. Your grammatical control is strong and precise, representing a high standard that fully warrants a Band 8 rating.

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