Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-18
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 map illustrates the structural changes and developments that took place in Porth Harbour in 2000.
Overall, the area underwent significant changes, with the opening of new cafes and shops, and an extra dock. The most noticeable development was the conversion of old castle into a new hotel with a private beach.
In 2000, the Porth Harbour had a single dock for passenger ferries which was upgraded and now it has the 2 docks to carry more passengers. Other than that, new cafes and shops are constructed on the west side of the lifeboat. The major development include the construction of the hotel which is replaced by the old castle in the northeast side of the Harbour, with a private beach for the hotel guests.
There was a spot for the fishing boats on the east side of the car park which now assigned to the Marina (Marina's private yachts). And the fishing boats relocated in the west side of docks besides showers & toilets. In 2000, there were two car parks, one was connected with the main road while the other with a road that leads to lifeboat. Now, both car parks are connected with the main road to provide easy car parking. Moreover, the additional showers & toilets are also constructed near the Marina's (private yachts).
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student covers the main features of the maps well, highlighting key changes such as the addition of cafes and shops, the conversion of the disused castle into a hotel with a private beach, and the shifting locations of the marina and fishing boats. An overview is successfully provided in the second paragraph. However, there are some inaccuracies regarding locations and features, such as stating the castle is in the 'northeast side' when it is actually in the southeast, and mentioning '2 docks' when the second is an additional jetty/dock extension. Despite minor spatial confusions, the task is adequately addressed, earning a Band 6.5.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, followed by an overview, and then detailing specific transformations. Cohesive devices are employed reasonably well, with transition phrases like 'In 2000', 'Other than that', and 'Moreover' guiding the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate thematic areas of the harbour. However, referencing is occasionally imprecise, such as 'which is replaced by the old castle' (where the hotel replaced the castle, not vice versa), slightly disrupting the logical flow. Overall, the organization is clear and coherent, fitting Band 6.5 descriptors.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range suitable for describing maps, utilizing terms like 'structural changes', 'developments', 'conversion', and 'relocated'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with varying success ('upgraded', 'construction'). There are some lexical inaccuracies and awkward collocations, such as 'the 2 docks to carry more passengers' and referring to the hotel as being 'replaced by the old castle'. Spelling and word choice are generally clear enough not to impede communication. This performance aligns comfortably with Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative clauses ('that took place', 'which is replaced') and passive structures ('are constructed'). While there are frequent error-free sentences, several grammatical and mechanical inaccuracies emerge, such as 'the old castle' used where the hotel is meant, 'the 2 docks', and clumsy phrasing like 'the fishing boats relocated in the west side'. Punctuation is generally acceptable. Because complex structures are attempted and control is fairly good despite persistent minor errors, a Band 6.0 is appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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