Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-25

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The plans below show the site of an airport now and how it will look after redevelopment next year.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

SOUTHWEST AIRPORT

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The diagram illustrates the current layout of Southwest Airport and the changes that will take place following its reconstruction and expansion next year.

Overall, the airport will undergo significant redevelopment, with the number of departure gates increasing from eight to eighteen. In addition to the expansion, several new facilities will be introduced, making the airport more spacious, efficient, and convenient for passengers.

At present, Southwest Airport has eight departure gates, and passengers are required to walk to all of them. Following the redevelopment, the airport will feature eighteen gates, with a sky train connecting the new sections of the terminal. This improvement will reduce walking distances and provide greater convenience, particularly for passengers with limited mobility.

Furthermore, while existing facilities such as the check-in area, ATM, and café will remain in place, a number of new services will be added. Shops will be located near the security checkpoint, allowing travellers to purchase goods before boarding. In addition, a car hire service will be introduced, giving passengers greater flexibility for onward travel after arriving at the airport.

Overall, the planned reconstruction will considerably improve the airport's infrastructure by increasing its capacity and providing a wider range of passenger services, resulting in a more modern and user-friendly travel experience.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response effectively summarizes the main features of the airport redevelopment. You have successfully identified the key changes, such as the increase in departure gates, the addition of the sky train, and the introduction of new services like shops and car hire. The overview provides a clear summary of the transformation, and the comparisons between the current and future states are well-integrated. You have covered all parts of the task well, ensuring that the reader understands the scope of the changes. The information is accurate and relevant, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from the structural changes to the service additions. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition to', 'Furthermore', and 'while', which help to link the sentences and paragraphs naturally. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each section focusing on a distinct aspect of the airport's evolution. The overall structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, including terms like 'reconstruction', 'expansion', 'infrastructure', and 'flexibility'. The language is precise and appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the use of participial phrases ('resulting in a more modern...') and subordinate clauses ('while existing facilities... will remain'). The grammar is highly accurate, with no significant errors in tense, subject-verb agreement, or punctuation. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over complex structures is consistent, which is a hallmark of a high-scoring response.

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