Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-27

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 6.5)

The maps illustrate the current layout of Southwest Airport and projected appearance after redevelopment next year.

It is clear that a number of modifications are planned to be made to the site of the airport. These include relocating the cafe and check-in, increasing departures and arrivals gates, installing new facilities such as a bag drop area, an ATM, and a car hire service, replacing the walkway with a sky train, and expanding the walkway area with an increasing number of gates.

Looking at the maps in more detail, we can see that the number of gates at the departures and arrivals will be doubled and there will be two cafes instead of one with new locations which will be on the left side of the departures gate and the other will be in the arrivals area. There will be new bag drop facility in the departures area where currently the cafe is, while an ATM and a car hire service will be introduced in the arrivals area.

The two maps also show that the security passport control and passport control customs will be at the same position where they are currently located and there will be a shop passing the security passport control area. Furthermore, the walkway will be replaced by a sky train. Finally, this area will be expanded with 18 gates.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the airport redevelopment, including the relocation of facilities and the expansion of gates. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with specific details from the maps. To reach a higher band, ensure you make more explicit comparisons between the 'now' and 'next year' states rather than just listing changes. For instance, you could more clearly contrast the current single walkway with the future sky train system. Overall, you covered all parts of the task well, providing a clear and accurate summary of the visual information provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. You use cohesive devices such as 'Looking at the maps in more detail', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the general overview from the specific details. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions between sentences could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. However, the progression of ideas is clear throughout the text, and referencing is consistent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'modifications', 'relocating', 'projected appearance', and 'introduced'. You use specific terminology relevant to the task, such as 'departures and arrivals gates' and 'bag drop facility'. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it lacks some of the more sophisticated, precise collocations that would elevate the response to a higher band. For example, instead of 'modifications are planned to be made', you could use 'a series of structural alterations are scheduled'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly without error.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'It is clear that a number of modifications are planned...' and 'There will be new bag drop facility...'. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as the missing article in 'There will be new bag drop facility' (should be 'a new bag drop facility') and the slightly awkward phrasing 'security passport control and passport control customs'. Despite these minor errors, your control of grammar is generally good, and the meaning is never obscured. You demonstrate a solid grasp of future tenses, which is essential for this type of task.

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

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