Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-26
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 7.0)
The diagram illustrates the current layout of the Southwest Airport and a proposed development plan.
Overall, it is evident that the airport will undergo expansion, with an increase in the number of gates and the addition of extra facilities to serve both incoming and outgoing travelers.
The location for arrivals and departures will remain the same as they are now, but the check-in counter is expected to be relocated from the left side to the right side during redevelopment to create space for bag drop area. Furthermore, the cafe that is currently located before passport control will be moved closer to the departure hall doors. However, there will be no changes to the security, passport control, and customs area.
According to the future plan, the arrival area, which currently lacks amenities, will see the inclusion of a cafe, ATM, and car rental service. Additionally, shops will be constructed after passing through security. The most prominent changes will involve replacing the walkway with a sky train track and increase the number of gates from eight to eighteen for passengers.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
You have successfully identified the main features of the airport redevelopment, including the expansion of gates and the relocation of facilities. You provided a clear overview and highlighted key changes effectively. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise. For instance, while you mention the increase in gates, you could have more explicitly contrasted the 'current' layout with the 'future' layout by grouping the changes more logically (e.g., airside vs. landside). Overall, the response covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear summary of the visual information provided in the diagrams.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Additionally' to link your ideas effectively. The progression of information is easy to follow, moving from general changes to specific facility relocations and additions. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different aspects of the redevelopment. To improve further, ensure that the transition between the description of the check-in area and the arrival area is slightly smoother to enhance the flow of the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'redevelopment', 'relocated', 'amenities', and 'prominent'. The language is generally precise and appropriate for an academic report. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common vocabulary related to urban planning or infrastructure, such as 'infrastructure upgrades', 'reconfigured', or 'enhanced capacity', rather than relying on more common verbs like 'moved' or 'constructed'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The location for arrivals and departures will remain the same as they are now, but the check-in counter is expected to be relocated'. Most sentences are error-free and clearly constructed. There is a minor grammatical slip in the final sentence: '...and increase the number of gates', which should be 'and an increase in the number of gates' or 'and will increase the number of gates'. Despite this, your control over grammar and punctuation is good, and your meaning is always clear.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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