Examiner Comments
- The report provides a clear and accurate description of how the layout of Porth Harbour has changed between 2000 and the present day.
- The introduction paraphrases the task effectively, while the overview identifies the major developments and overall shift towards tourism.
- All significant changes are described, including the addition of a second dock, the conversion of the castle into a hotel, the introduction of cafés and shops, and the relocation of marina and fishing boat areas.
- Key features are presented logically, and the response includes appropriate references to elements that remained unchanged, such as the public beach.
- The report follows a clear and well-organised structure, with the overview placed directly after the introduction, followed by a chronological comparison of past and present layouts.
- Cohesive devices are varied and used accurately to signal contrasts and additions, including “in contrast,” “while,” “in addition,” and “furthermore.”
- This helps the description flow smoothly and makes the relationship between past and present features clear.
- Vocabulary is precise and well suited to describing maps, with effective use of terms such as “converted,” “branches off,” and “remains unchanged”.
- The language remains formal, clear, and concise throughout, making the report accessible to learners without being simplistic.
- A range of grammatical structures is used accurately and flexibly.
- Past simple is used effectively to describe the older harbour. Present simple is used effectively for fixed features, while present perfect is applied naturally to describe changes over time (e.g. “has been converted,” “has been added”).
- Complex sentences are handled with control, creating a polished and natural report.
- Tense use is consistent, and sentence variety adds fluency and precision to the description.
Useful Vocabulary
Designed to attract or serve tourists.
Overall, the area has been modernised to become more tourist-oriented.
Related to business or trade.
The main changes include the addition of a new dock, the replacement of the old castle with a hotel, and the introduction of some commercial facilities.
Extended or stretched in a particular direction.
A main road ran south to north along the western side, while a secondary road led towards a lifeboat station.
Went or guided in the direction of something.
A main road ran south to north along the western side, while a secondary road led towards a lifeboat station.
Situated or positioned in a place.
To the southeast, a disused castle stood beside a public beach.
Next to or very near something else.
Directly above the smaller car park were showers and toilets, and adjacent to this area was a marina for private yachts.
Provide space or capacity for something or someone.
In contrast, the present-day layout shows a second dock added to the north to accommodate more ferries, while the beach to the east remains unchanged.
Changed from one form or use to another.
The castle has been converted into a hotel, and the nearby beach has been made private for hotel guests.
Separates from a main route to form another path or direction.
A new road now branches off the secondary road to provide direct access to the hotel.
Exchanged or changed positions with each other.
Furthermore, the marina and fishing boat zones have switched locations, and extra shower and toilet facilities have been installed above the lower car park.
