Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-19

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)

The plan illustrates the current layout of Southwest Airport alongside the proposed changes for its redevelopment next year.

Overall, it is evident that the airport will undergo significant expansion and modernisation. The most notable changes include the complete redesign of the boarding concourse into a Y-shape to accommodate more than double the original number of gates.

Looking closely at the main terminal building, several new facilities will be introduced. In the departures hall on the left, a bag drop counter will be added alongside the existing check-in desks, while the original cafe remains in place. Furthermore, the arrivals hall on the right, which currently only houses passport control and customs, will be substantially upgraded to include its own cafe, an ATM, and a car hire facility.

Moving to the security and boarding areas, while the primary security and passport control checkpoints will remain in their current positions, a brand new shopping area will be constructed immediately after them. beyond the shops, the transport infrastructure will experience a major overhaul. The existing straight walkway that currently serves eight gates will be completely replaced by a new 'sky train' system. Additionally, the gate concourse itself will be expanded outward into a largerY-shaped structure, increasing the total number of boarding gates from 8 to 18, thereby significantly boosting the airport's capacity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends—specifically the expansion and modernisation—and successfully highlighted key changes such as the gate expansion and the introduction of new facilities. The comparison between the current and future states is well-integrated throughout the report. You have accurately identified the shift from 8 to 18 gates and the transition from a straight walkway to a 'sky train' system, which demonstrates a strong ability to select and report relevant data. The information is well-supported by the visual evidence provided in the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction and overview, the terminal building facilities, and the security/boarding infrastructure. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Moving to', and 'Additionally' is natural and helps guide the reader through the spatial changes. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate different areas of the airport, ensuring the information is easy to follow. The referencing is clear, and the flow between sentences is smooth, contributing to a professional and coherent report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Terms such as 'proposed changes', 'substantially upgraded', 'major overhaul', and 'boarding concourse' are used accurately and in the correct context. The language is sophisticated and appropriate for an academic report. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary effectively conveys the technical nature of the airport redevelopment. The use of specific terminology related to airport infrastructure adds to the clarity and authority of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with high levels of accuracy. You successfully employ complex sentences, such as 'While the primary security and passport control checkpoints will remain in their current positions, a brand new shopping area will be constructed immediately after them.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense usage—specifically the future passive forms required for describing proposed changes—is excellent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high degree of grammatical control.

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