Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-28
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 5.5)
Firstly i want to talk about the main features of airport some features are same but some features are added in the development i will describe these features they are check in, cafe, walkway, gates these features are in before the development and the additional features are ATM, sky train, car hire and bag drop. They also increase the number of gates it's means this airport is very big and most of the people take advantage of these features. In new development they add the shop at the start of the airport it's very helpful for people's who want to buy different things for their children, parents also for friends. Some features are same like security, passport control and customs area. Two features are added on the customs side like cafe and ATM. In the last i want to mentioned about the departures gates and arrivals gates are also increase.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response attempts to describe the changes in the airport layout, but it fails to provide a clear overview or a structured summary. The report is written in a conversational, informal tone ('Firstly i want to talk about...') rather than an objective, analytical style required for Academic Task 1. While some features are mentioned, the description lacks precision in comparing the 'before' and 'after' states. The information is presented as a list rather than a cohesive report, and the lack of a clear summary of the main trends or significant changes prevents a higher score. To improve, focus on grouping information logically and highlighting the most significant transformations.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response lacks paragraphing, which is essential for a clear report. The flow of ideas is disjointed, relying on simple, repetitive transitions like 'some features are same' and 'in the last i want to mentioned'. There is a lack of cohesive devices to link sentences and ideas effectively. The text feels like a stream of consciousness rather than a structured piece of writing. To improve, you should organize your response into clear paragraphs: an introduction, an overview of the main changes, and two body paragraphs detailing specific features. Using linking words like 'consequently', 'furthermore', and 'in contrast' would significantly improve the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. Phrases such as 'some features are same' and 'it's very helpful' are overly simplistic and informal. There is a lack of precise terminology related to map description or spatial changes. While the student attempts to name specific airport features, the overall range is insufficient to convey the information with the necessary academic precision. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to development and change, such as 'expanded', 'relocated', 'integrated', or 'undergone significant modifications', and avoid informal conversational fillers.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement ('it's means', 'people's who want') and sentence structure. Many sentences are run-on or lack proper punctuation, making the text difficult to follow. There is a lack of complex sentence structures; the writing relies almost exclusively on simple, repetitive clauses. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring correct verb tenses, and avoiding informal contractions like 'it's'. Practicing the use of relative clauses and passive voice (e.g., 'a new shop will be added') would help elevate the grammatical range.
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