Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-16
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 6.0)
The plans illustrate the site of an airport facility before and after redevelopment in the following year.
Overall, the number of entry and exit points of the transportation facility will increase, and new shops and cafes will be added. Moreover, ten additional gates will be added to accommodate more passengers. Meanwhile, the walkway will be replaced by the sky train.
At present, the airport has a single entry and exit point, and the check-in point is ahead of the departure gate to the left. Furthermore, only one cafe is operating, and no shops are present inside the facility. A total of 8 gates are available throughout the airport and can only be accessed through the walkway.
After development, two gates will be provided for departures and arrivals. Additionally, new facilities such as shops, ATM, bag drop, and car hire will be added after development. A cafe will be added to the arrivals section, and the check-in point will be shifted to the right of the departures gate. In addition, ten more gates will be added to the facility, and the walkway will be replaced by the sky train.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the airport plans effectively. You have identified the key changes, such as the increase in gates, the introduction of the sky train, and the addition of new amenities. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the transformation. However, there is a slight inaccuracy in the description of the gates; you mention 'two gates will be provided for departures and arrivals' after development, whereas the plan indicates a total of 18 gates (8 original plus 10 new). Ensuring precise data interpretation is crucial for a higher band. Overall, the response is well-structured and addresses the prompt requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the 'before' and 'after' states. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Meanwhile', 'Furthermore', and 'Additionally' helps to guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of the airport's development. The progression of ideas is logical, moving from the general overview to specific details. To reach a higher band, ensure that the transition between sentences feels slightly more natural and less mechanical.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'redevelopment', 'accommodate', and 'facility' correctly. The language is generally precise enough to convey the intended meaning. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly the use of 'added' and 'development' multiple times. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of synonyms and more sophisticated collocations related to urban planning or infrastructure changes, such as 'expanded', 'integrated', or 'modernized'. The current range is sufficient for the task but lacks the flexibility required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and grammatically sound, such as 'The plans illustrate the site of an airport facility before and after redevelopment'. There are no major errors that impede communication. However, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. To achieve a higher score, try to vary your sentence beginnings and use more advanced grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions or relative clauses, to describe the changes more fluidly. Punctuation is generally accurate throughout the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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