Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-11-02

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 5.5)

The plans given illustrates the changes occurred in between two decades in Porth Harbour.

Overall it can be observed that alot has changes in between the two decades such as the location for fishing boats and marina (Private yachts ) has changed overtime also it can be seen that a new hotel has been constructed in the south eastern area of the harbour along with the beach now being dedicated only for the hotel.

it can be seen that in the north western region another showers and toilets buidling is constructed also we can see that a dock platform has been removed over the decades.

Along with that it can bee seen that towards the south a new cafe and shops building is constructed.

Overall it can be seen that alot has changed over the years including demolishing previous buildings and docks too but on the positive side new buildings are also constructed over the time

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify several genuine changes, including the relocation of the fishing boats and marina, the hotel replacing the disused castle, and the beach becoming private. These are relevant main features. However, the account only partially summarises the plans: it does not clearly explain the overall pattern of redevelopment or describe important changes such as the added showers and toilets near the marina, cafés and shops beside the lifeboat station, and the extra jetty and boats. The claim that a dock platform was removed is not supported; the northern dock instead gains an additional jetty. The overview also repeats general statements about change rather than selecting the most significant developments. Organise the response around a clear overview and accurate, specific comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

There is some organisation: you begin with an introduction, then give an overview and mention changes in different areas. However, progression is limited because several points are presented as separate observations without a clear route through the harbour or a consistent comparison between 2000 and today. The repeated openings “it can be observed” and “it can be seen” make the linking mechanical, while the final paragraph repeats the general idea that many things changed. Use distinct paragraphs for the overview and the main details, and group related changes—for example, the northern facilities and dock together, followed by the southern marina, hotel and beach. Clearer sequencing and less repetition would make the relationships between changes easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is sufficient to identify several map features, including “fishing boats,” “marina,” “hotel,” and “private beach.” You also attempt relevant change language such as “constructed” and “dedicated.” However, the range is limited and some choices are imprecise or repetitive: “alot has changes” and “demolishing previous buildings and docks” do not describe the map accurately, and “dock platform” is not a clear label from the plans. Spelling and word-form slips such as “buidling” and “bee” are noticeable. Aim for precise map vocabulary and varied verbs, such as “relocated,” “replaced,” “added,” and “converted,” while checking spelling and avoiding repeated general phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response relies mainly on simple clauses and repeated introductory patterns, with limited evidence of controlled complex sentence structures. Errors occur in basic sentence formation and verb forms, for example, “The plans given illustrates” has a subject–verb agreement problem, and “the changes occurred in between two decades” is not formed naturally. There are also inconsistent sentence openings and punctuation, including a lowercase “it” after a full stop and a long final sentence joined with “but.” These errors do not make the overall meaning impossible to understand, but they reduce clarity and control. Practise accurate past-versus-present comparisons and build a few clear complex sentences using “whereas,” “while,” or “which,” checking agreement and sentence boundaries.

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