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

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 addition of new facilities. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the changes. You have made relevant comparisons between the current and future layouts, such as the relocation of the check-in counter and the introduction of the sky train. To reach a higher band, ensure that all details are precise; for example, you mentioned the number of gates will increase to eighteen, but the diagram shows an increase from eight to eighteen, which you handled well. The response is well-focused and covers all key aspects of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group information by location and type of change. You use cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Additionally' to guide the reader through the text. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. To improve further, ensure that referencing remains precise throughout; for instance, when discussing the arrival area, you transition well into the new amenities. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'redevelopment', 'relocated', 'amenities', and 'prominent'. The language is generally precise and appropriate for an academic report. There are no significant errors in word choice that impede communication. To move into the higher bands, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items related to urban planning or infrastructure, such as 'infrastructure upgrade' or 'strategic reconfiguration', to show greater flexibility and precision in your descriptions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control over grammar and punctuation is good. For example, the sentence 'The location for arrivals and departures will remain the same as they are now, but the check-in counter is expected to be relocated...' is well-constructed. There are very few grammatical slips. To achieve a higher score, ensure consistent subject-verb agreement and try to vary your sentence structure even further by using more passive voice constructions, which are often appropriate for describing processes and plans.

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

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