Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
The plans illustrate a harbour in 2000 and how it looks today.
Overall, it is evident that several modifications have been made. Some parts remianed the same, while others were changed.
After analysing the plans, it is clear that marina for private yachts has been replaced by fishing boats in the north-west area in the latter map. Moreover, showers and toilets facilities have been added in the south-west part in the new map. The fishing boats have been replaced by a marina for private yachts in the south-west area in the new map. The car park has remained in the same location in both maps.
Furthermore, turning to the center of the harbour, the dock has been placed betweeen the two public beaches, while it as present in the center of public beach in the previous map. in addition, disused castle has been converted into the hotel in the south east part of harbour in the latest map. Public beaches and life boat remained in the same locations in the both maps.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main changes shown in the two maps, successfully identifying key developments such as the conversion of the disused castle into a hotel, the relocation of the marina and fishing boats, and the addition of shower and toilet facilities. The writer also points out elements that remained unchanged, including the car park and the life boat. However, the overview is somewhat superficial, merely stating that 'several modifications have been made' rather than synthesizing the most striking overarching trends, such as the overall modernization and expansion of tourist amenities. Additionally, there are minor confusions in spatial descriptions, such as stating that fishing boats were replaced by a marina in the south-west, while also noting a marina was replaced by fishing boats in the north-west. Despite these minor issues, all parts of the task are addressed, earning a solid band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response exhibits a coherent overall arrangement with a clear attempt to structure the information logically. The introduction is followed by an overview paragraph, and subsequent body paragraphs focus on specific geographic zones (north-west, south-west, center, and south-east). However, referencing and cohesion are occasionally faulty or mechanical. For instance, the transition 'After analysing the plans' is overly formulaic, and phrases like 'in the latter map', 'in the new map', and 'in the latest map' are repetitive. Paragraphing is used, but the internal flow of sentences can be disjointed, such as switching abruptly between different areas without smooth cohesive devices. Overall, the organizational structure meets the requirements for a band 6.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the student to successfully describe physical features and modifications, such as 'marina', 'fishing boats', 'car park', and 'disused castle'. However, the range of lexical items is somewhat limited and repetitive. There are also notable lexical and collocational inaccuracies, such as 'showers and toilets facilities' (missing a possessive or attributive form, e.g., shower and toilet facilities) and misspelling 'remianed'. The writer attempts some less common vocabulary like 'converted', but lacks the precision and flexibility characteristic of higher bands. Communication is not impeded, but the lexical control firmly places this response at a band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing structures such as passive voice ('has been replaced', 'has been converted') and subordinate clauses ('while others were changed'). However, there is a noticeable presence of grammatical errors and missing articles throughout the text. Examples include 'marina for private yachts' (missing the article 'a'), 'betweeen' (spelling error), 'while it as present' (verb tense/form error for 'was present'), 'in center of public beach' (missing articles), and 'in the both maps' (unnecessary article 'the'). Despite these persistent errors, the meaning remains clear and communication is not impeded, fitting the descriptors for band 6.0 well.
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.