Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The maps illustrate the changes that will occur in the current condition and after renovation of an airport in the coming year.

Overall, there will be an extension in the area of the airport by the addition of some amenities as well as additional gates for passengers. The major addition of the SkyTrain will change the look of the walkways.

Currently, there is one gate for departure, and the cafe is located on the top right corner of the departure hall. Next, check-in is situated on the western side of the departure hall. Next to departure, passport control, and then security setup. Then, arrival has one gate, and the customs office and passport control are located next to it. Additionally, at the northern end of the airport, there are two walkways with eight gates.

After renovation, there will be the addition of one gate for departures and arrivals. Moreover, another amenity will be added in the depature hall in the form of a bag drop on the top left corner, and the location of the cafe will change from the top right corner to the southwestern corner. Moreover, in the arrivals hall, the cafe, ATM, and car hire will be located on the left side of the hall. Security, passport controls, and customs setup will remain unchanged. Right next to security and passport control, there will be an addition of shops. On the northern corner of airport, walkways will transform into Skytrain with the addition of ten gates.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the key features of the airport redevelopment, including the expansion of gates, the addition of the SkyTrain, and the relocation of amenities. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with specific details from the maps. To reach a higher band, ensure that your comparisons are more explicit. For example, instead of just listing the changes, you could highlight the contrast between the current limited facilities and the significantly expanded capacity. The report covers all requirements well, though the description of the layout could be more concise to allow for more analytical comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that separate the current state from the future state. You use cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Additionally', and 'Next' to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the progression between sentences flows more naturally. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the map, using terms like 'amenities', 'redevelopment', and 'transform'. There are some minor inaccuracies in collocation, such as 'security setup' or 'customs setup', which are slightly unnatural in this context. While you successfully convey the necessary information, the vocabulary is functional rather than sophisticated. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more precise terminology related to spatial descriptions and architectural changes, such as 'configuration', 'integrated', or 'facilitate'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, and your meaning is consistently clear. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'in the coming year' (which could be 'over the coming year') and 'on the northern corner of airport' (missing an article). While you have good control over basic grammar, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. To improve, try to integrate more varied sentence patterns, such as using passive voice to describe the changes (e.g., 'The walkways will be replaced by a SkyTrain').

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