IELTS Writing Correction Service
Writing Samples
Band 3.5

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.

✍️ Want to check your own essay?Write on this topic →
Introduction
The map below illustrates the changes in a
harbour
Use synonyms
 in 2000 and in recent days.
Body paragraph 1
Overall
Linking Words
, the
harbour
Use synonyms
 underwent
a
Correct article usage
apply
show examples
significant construction, with more amenities, a
dock
Use synonyms
, a
road
Use synonyms
 and a hotel
was
Correct subject-verb agreement
were
show examples
 built.
Body paragraph 2
To elaborate, on the north side of the
harbour
Use synonyms
, a
dock
Use synonyms
 was added during the period
,
Punctuation problem
;
show examples
as a result
Linking Words
, the capability of boats became higher, allowing three boats to stop at the
harbour
Use synonyms
.
In addition
Linking Words
, on the west side of the
harbour
Use synonyms
, which connected the main
road
Use synonyms
, showers and toilets were constructed between the car parks.
Furthermore
Linking Words
, the purpose of the two lakes
were
Correct subject-verb agreement
was
show examples
 exchanged, with fishing boats placed
to
Change preposition
in
show examples
 the smaller one in the south,
while
Linking Words
 marina swifted to the larger one in the north.
Conclusion
Looking at the south side of Porth
Harbour
Use synonyms
, it experienced the most dramatic development. There was only a disused castle on the land and a
road
Use synonyms
 conncecting the main
road
Use synonyms
 and a lifeboat
dock
Use synonyms
.
However
Linking Words
, the castle was transformed into a hotel which had breathtaking scenery. Apart from that, the hotel not only got the private beach's ownership, but
also
Linking Words
 had a
road
Use synonyms
 constructed to reach it.
Last
Linking Words
 but not least, next to the lifeboat
dock
Use synonyms
, cafes and shops were established, making the
harbour
Use synonyms
 a better place for tourism.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

task response
Give a more exact overview. Say that the north side gained more boat space, while the south side changed from an old area into a place for visitors.
task response
Check all map details. Do not say there were two lakes; use the names and places shown on the map. Make clear what was moved, added, or changed.
task response
Use map words with care. For example, say a hotel was built in place of the old castle, rather than saying the castle was transformed.
coherence and cohesion
Your answer has a clear order: overview, north, then south. Keep this plan, but group all changes in one area in the same part.
coherence and cohesion
Make some links smoother. For example: 'A dock was added, allowing more boats to stop there.' This is clearer than using 'as a result' after a long phrase.
coherence and cohesion
Avoid very long sentences with many ideas. Use short sentences when you describe roads, car parks, and new buildings.
coherence and cohesion
The last part is easy to follow, but 'Last but not least' is not needed in a map report. Use 'Finally' or simply start a new sentence.
task response
You report the main changes in both the north and south parts of the harbour.
task response
You notice key new features, such as the dock, hotel, road, cafés, shops, showers, and toilets.
coherence and cohesion
The overview clearly shows that the harbour became more useful and more suitable for visitors.
coherence and cohesion
The use of north, west, and south helps the reader follow the map.
Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »- a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

Topic Vocabulary:
  • harbour (or harbor)
  • docks
  • shipping lanes
  • warehouses
  • recreational areas
  • infrastructure
  • additions
  • removals
  • facilities
  • environmental sustainability
  • economic impact
  • local community
  • capacity
  • technological advancements
  • industrial shipping
  • recreational use
  • surrounding infrastructure
What to do next:
Look at other essays: