Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-03
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 5.5)
The given diagram illustrates the main features of southwest airport now and after the development.
Overall, there will be a massive change in the airport after its renovation now there are no skytrain in the middle of it's 8 gates and the gates will also be added. Some changes in the Security Passport Control and Customs can bee seen,
On one hand, right now there are altogether 8 gates for the people to walkaway in the new development map the airport will have 18 gates and the walkaway will be removed for the skytrain pathway. The shops has been include in the new development map.
On the other hand, the gap between security passport control to departures it got cafe and check- in and the area between customs to arrivals are empty. But the plan for it in the future is to add Bag drop near the departures and Cafe, ATM, Car hire near the Arrival.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the airport redevelopment, such as the increase in gate numbers and the addition of new facilities like the skytrain and shops. However, the description is somewhat fragmented and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While the main changes are identified, the comparison between the 'now' and 'future' states could be more precise. For instance, the mention of '18 gates' is accurate, but the explanation of the layout changes is slightly confusing. To improve, ensure that the overview clearly synthesises the most significant trends rather than just listing features, and ensure all labels from the diagram are accurately reflected.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally inaccurate. For example, the transition 'On one hand' and 'On the other hand' is used to contrast different areas of the airport, but this is not the most logical way to structure a comparison of two maps. Additionally, some sentences are disjointed, such as the second paragraph where the flow between the mention of the skytrain and the gates is abrupt. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring a smoother progression between ideas would enhance the coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'walkaway' (likely meaning 'walkway') and 'shops has been include' (grammatical error affecting lexical accuracy). The range of vocabulary is limited to basic descriptors. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise terminology related to maps and diagrams, such as 'expanded,' 'relocated,' 'integrated,' or 'transformed.' Additionally, ensure that word forms are used correctly to avoid errors that occasionally distract the reader.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'there are no skytrain' (subject-verb agreement), 'it's 8 gates' (incorrect possessive), 'can bee seen' (spelling), and 'shops has been include' (tense and agreement). These errors are noticeable throughout the text. To improve, focus on basic subject-verb agreement, correct use of articles, and consistent verb tenses when describing future developments. Reducing these frequent errors will significantly improve the overall quality of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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