Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-19

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 maps display how Porth harbour has developed since 2000.

Overall, despite some features remaining the same, the port has undergone several developments, such as the construction of cafes and shops, an additional duck, and shower and toilets. One significant change is the establishment of a hotel.

In 2000, there were two cark parks and a shower and toilet room in the west of the harbour, connected to the main road. However, one of the car parks has been relocated and connected to the main road, while a new shower and toilet has been added. Furthermore, the locations of the fishing boats and marina have been swapped. Cafes and shops have been constructed in the southern part of the harbour, although the area desginated for lifeboats has been retained.

The public beach located in the southern part of the map has now been converted into a private beach exclusively for the hotel. A notable change is the transformation of the disused castle into a hotel, with roads providing access to it. A further dock has been added to the harbour, whereas the public beach in the north-east and the passenger ferries in the eastern part have remained relatively unchanged.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student covers all key features of the two maps, highlighting major transformations such as the swap between the marina and fishing boats, the addition of a hotel, cafés, and shops, and the change to the beach. An overview is successfully provided in the second paragraph, capturing the essence of the changes. However, there is a minor spelling slip ('duck' instead of 'dock' in paragraph two, and 'desginated' in paragraph three), but overall, the task is fully and accurately addressed. The comparisons between 2000 and the present day are clear and well-supported by the visual data, satisfying the requirements for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organised into four paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, a description of the western and central changes, and a description of the southern and eastern changes. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'whereas' are used effectively to guide the reader through the spatial comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the progression of information follows a clear geographical and thematic logic, ensuring smooth transitions between the various developments shown on the maps.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally appropriate and functional for a map comparison task, utilising terms such as 'relocated', 'constructed', 'converted', and 'transformation'. There are some successful less common items and good collocations like 'disused castle' and 'passenger ferries'. However, a couple of noticeable spelling errors occur ('duck' for dock, 'desginated' for designated) along with minor slips ('cark parks'), which prevent the lexical score from reaching the highest bands. Nevertheless, the range is sufficient to convey precise spatial changes clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and passive voice effectively (e.g., 'have been constructed', 'has now been converted'). Grammatical control is generally strong, with frequent error-free sentences. Minor mechanical slips like typos do not impede overall communication. The punctuation is sound, and the tense usage is appropriate for comparing past states with present modifications, earning a solid Band 7.0.

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.