Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-17

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 7.5)

Overall, the airport will undergo significant expansion and modernization. Key changes include a more than doubling of the gate capacity, the introduction of a sky train system, and the addition of several passenger amenities.

In the Departures area, the main entrance will feature a new bag drop counter on the left and a relocated check-in desk on the right, replacing the old café. A new café will be constructed near the main entrance. Following security control, a dedicated shopping area will be added along the concourse wall.

The main concourse will be extended into a Y-shaped structure, increasing the total number of gates from 8 to 18. The existing walkway will be replaced by a sky train service running down the center of the concourse to transport passengers. In the Arrivals area, additional facilities will be introduced, including an ATM, a car hire desk, and a café located near passport control.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the airport redevelopment, including the expansion of the concourse, the increase in gate capacity, and the addition of new amenities. The overview provides a clear summary of the overall changes. You have made effective comparisons between the current and future states, such as noting the increase in gates from 8 to 18 and the replacement of the walkway with a sky train. The response covers all key areas of the prompt well, and the information is logically selected and presented, meeting the requirements for a Band 8 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the general overview from the specific details of the Departures and Arrivals areas. Cohesive devices such as 'In the Departures area', 'Following security control', and 'In the Arrivals area' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the spatial changes. The flow of information is logical, and the relationship between the current and future states is consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and processes, such as 'redevelopment', 'modernization', 'concourse', and 'amenities'. The word choices are precise and contribute to a professional tone. While the vocabulary is accurate and sufficient, it could be slightly more varied to reach the highest band; however, it is well-suited for the task and shows a good level of flexibility in describing spatial changes and facility additions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of sentence structures used effectively. You successfully employ complex structures, such as participial phrases ('increasing the total number of gates...') and passive voice constructions ('will be constructed', 'will be replaced'), which are essential for this type of task. There are no noticeable grammatical errors, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over complex structures is consistent, supporting a high band score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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