Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-29
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 two plans compare the current layout of Southwest Airport with its proposed redevelopment next year.
Overall, the airport will undergo a significant expansion. The number of gates will more than double, and several new passenger facilities, including shops, a bag-drop area, an ATM, a sky train, and a car hire service, will be added to improve convenience.
At present, the airport has a relatively simple design. After entering the departures section, passengers pass through security and passport control before reaching a straight walkway leading to eight gates. On the arrivals side, travellers go through passport control and customs. The airport currently provides only a check-in counter and a café.
Following redevelopment, the airport will be considerably larger. The central walkway will be replaced by a sky train connecting the terminal to two Y-shaped gate concourses. As a result, the total number of gates will increase from 8 to 18, with gates 1–9 located in the left wing and gates 10–18 in the right wing.
In addition, a bag-drop facility will be installed in the departures area alongside the existing check-in counter, while a row of shops will be built between the terminal and the gate area. On the arrivals side, new amenities, including an ATM and a car hire service, will be introduced, whereas the café will remain in its current location.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main changes, such as the expansion of gates and the addition of new facilities. The key features are accurately identified and reported, and the comparison between the current and future layouts is well-structured. You have successfully highlighted the transformation from a simple design to a more complex, expanded terminal. The information is logically selected, and the inclusion of specific details like the gate numbers and the addition of the sky train demonstrates a thorough understanding of the visual data. The response is well-balanced and covers all significant aspects of the redevelopment plan.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the overview, the current state, and the future state. Cohesive devices such as 'At present', 'Following redevelopment', 'In addition', and 'whereas' are used naturally to guide the reader through the comparison. The referencing is clear, and the flow between sentences is smooth, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the changes described. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure is highly coherent.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a descriptive task. Terms such as 'redevelopment', 'concourse', 'amenities', and 'significantly expanded' are used accurately. The vocabulary is precise and fits the context of airport infrastructure well. While the range is sufficient and allows for flexibility, there is room to incorporate slightly more sophisticated or academic collocations to reach the highest band. However, the current usage is natural and error-free, effectively conveying the intended meaning without any ambiguity or strain on the reader.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The writing displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as passive voice constructions ('will be replaced', 'will be installed') and subordinate clauses, which are essential for describing processes and changes. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The control over tense usage—shifting between the present for the current layout and the future for the proposed plan—is consistent and accurate.
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