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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.

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Introduction
The given illustration depicts how Porth Harbour has changed between 2000 and today.
Overall
Linking Words
, there are several changes
Linking Words
such
Punctuation problem
, such
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 as new docks, the transformation of the disused castle into a new hotel, and additional public lavatories next to the car park in the western
area
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.
Body paragraph 1
In 2000, there was only one toilet in the western
area
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 of the port, next to the
marina
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. Public beaches stood in two different areas, one of them was located next to the harbour,
while
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 the other one was located in the southwestern part of the disused castle. Fishing
boats
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 were located in the southern part of the
marina
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, and the fishing
boats
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 were bigger than the private yachts parking
area
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.
Conclusion
Nowadays, Porth Harbour has changed moderately. The first alteration was the addition of restrooms across the main road.
Second,
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the location of fishing
boats
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 and the
marina
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were
Correct subject-verb agreement
was
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 relocated, so the
marina
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 has a larger
area
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 compared to the fishing
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boats
Check wording
boats'
show examples
area
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.
Third,
Linking Words
the disused castle in the southeast wing was converted to a hotel,
whereas
Linking Words
 the private beach next to it is only available for the hotel guests.

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task response
Give a clearer main overview. State the biggest changes: the hotel replaced the old castle, the boat areas changed, and a new dock was built.
task response
Check every part of both plans. The essay does not clearly report all new docks and some changes near the beach and road.
task response
Use exact map words. Do not call the yacht area a parking area; say “private yachts were kept” or “private yachts were moored”.
task response
Make comparisons more direct. For example, say that the marina became larger while the fishing-boat area became smaller.
coherence and cohesion
The essay has a clear order: first the old plan, then the present plan. Keep this order, but group details by area, such as west, centre, and east.
coherence and cohesion
Link ideas more smoothly. Instead of “The first alteration was” and “Second”, use “In addition”, “Meanwhile”, and “In contrast”.
coherence and cohesion
Avoid unclear phrases such as “across the main road”. Say exactly where the new toilets are in relation to the car park, marina, or road.
coherence and cohesion
Use one name for each place. For example, do not switch between “port” and “harbour” too often unless needed.
task response
The introduction clearly says that the plans show changes from 2000 to the present.
task response
You identify key changes, including the new hotel, extra toilets, and the move of the fishing boats and marina.
coherence and cohesion
The writing is divided into clear time periods, so it is easy to follow.
coherence and cohesion
Words such as “whereas” and “compared to” help show contrast between the two plans.
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.

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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
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