Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-04
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)
The given map depicts the site of an airport now and how it will look after redevelopment next year . It is evident that all the changes will be
made to make this airport more organized.
To commence with, it is noticeable that the airport will be set to undergo a substantial transformation . At present the facilities are limited there is a separate gate for departures and arrivals . At the departure, there is a security and passport control area and at the arrivals passport controls and customs with a cafe a walkway . Under the proposed plan the airport is likely to be expanded with a lot of new facilities The most notable changes are the number of gates will be increased up to 18 . A lot of shops will be constructed at the departure area . Cafe will be relocated at the arrivals . A separate ATM will be made . A sky train will be made so that the travellers no longer walk and go . A new car hire will be constructed .Check in , bag drop and cafes will also be constructed . Overall it is apparent that all the amendments will be made to make this airport more efficient
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 covers the main features of the airport redevelopment, including the increase in gates, the addition of a sky train, and the relocation of facilities. However, the description is somewhat list-like and lacks a clear, analytical overview that synthesizes the changes effectively. While the key features are identified, the comparison between the 'now' and 'next year' states could be more integrated. The summary is functional but misses the opportunity to highlight the overall shift in airport capacity and passenger flow more professionally. To improve, ensure the overview paragraph clearly summarizes the most significant trends rather than just stating that changes will be made.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear attempt to use transition signals such as 'To commence with' and 'Overall'. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical. Some sentences are short and choppy, which disrupts the natural progression of ideas. The use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive, and the referencing could be more sophisticated to link the 'now' and 'future' states more fluidly. Paragraphing is present, but the body paragraph is quite dense and would benefit from being split or structured more clearly to separate the different areas of the airport.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing for clear communication of the changes. You use some relevant terms like 'redevelopment', 'transformation', and 'relocated'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on basic verbs like 'made' and 'constructed'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise collocations related to urban planning or infrastructure, such as 'expanded capacity', 'modernized facilities', or 'integrated transport systems'. There are no significant spelling errors, but the lexical variety is currently at a level that meets the basic requirements without demonstrating a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'the airport will be set to undergo' (wordy/unnatural), 'so that the travellers no longer walk and go' (awkward phrasing), and missing articles before nouns like 'cafe' or 'walkway'. Punctuation is generally acceptable, but there are instances where sentence boundaries are slightly blurred. To improve, focus on reducing wordiness and ensuring subject-verb agreement and article usage are consistent. Increasing the use of passive voice or complex structures would help demonstrate better control.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.