Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-17

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 4.0)

This diagram shows how harbour use to look in 2000 . there's a maian road connection to car park and showers and toilets then theres is a private yachts area called marina where there is two yachts that iare in the water also there is a road connecting too life boat area and there's a small brach for the locals or bpublic alos theres is a castle dis used and theres a one more oublic branh on tthe north side i can also see a dirextions guide with east west nrth and south guide

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response identifies a few relevant features of the 2000 plan, including the marina, lifeboat area, castle and beaches, so it shows some awareness of the map. However, it does not summarise the harbour today or explain the main changes, such as the relocation of the marina and fishing boats, the addition of a hotel, or the change to a private beach. There is also no clear overview of the most significant developments, and some details are inaccurate or unclear, including the claim that there are two yachts. The response is substantially under the required 150 words, which leaves the task only minimally addressed. To improve, compare both plans and select the most important changes for a concise overview and supporting details.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 3.5

The response contains a sequence of map-related observations, and the reader can identify several locations being described. However, the ideas are joined almost entirely in one long, run-on sequence using repeated forms of “there’s” and “also,” so the relationships between details are difficult to follow. There is no paragraphing or clear division between an overview and specific features, and the description moves from the road to the marina, lifeboat area and beaches without a clear organising principle. Use separate paragraphs and group information by area or by changes between 2000 and today. A small number of accurate linking expressions, such as “whereas” and “in addition,” would help make comparisons clearer.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses some relevant map vocabulary, including “main road,” “car park,” “showers and toilets,” “marina,” “lifeboat” and “castle.” These terms show an attempt to describe locations and facilities, but the range is limited and several phrases are imprecise or difficult to interpret, such as “a small branch for the locals” and “a directions guide.” Spelling errors, including “maian,” “bpublic,” and “dis used,” also reduce clarity. For a map report, use precise terms such as “public beach,” “harbour entrance,” “relocated,” and “replaced by.” Check spelling carefully and avoid informal or uncertain descriptions when the map provides a clear label.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.0

The response attempts to connect several ideas in longer sentences, but grammatical control is weak and the sentence structures are repetitive. For example, “there’s a maian road connection to car park” has problems with article use and sentence construction, while “there is a road connecting too life boat area” does not form a clear grammatical relationship. The account also shifts between “shows” and “use to look” without consistently establishing the past-time frame. Punctuation is largely absent, creating a run-on sentence that makes the meaning harder to follow. Practise writing short, complete sentences first, then combine them accurately with clauses such as “The marina was located…” and “Today, it has been moved…”.

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

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