Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-05
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 5.0)
The plans below show the site of an airport now and how it will look after redevelopment next year:
Now there are 8 gates in total , there is a check in and a cafe only. whereas after development, there are 18 gates in total, some shops, a bag drop, a check in and a cafe in security passport control whereas in passport control customs there is a cafe, an A.T.M and a car hire. for arrivals.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, reaching only 77 words. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. While you have identified some key features, such as the increase in gates and the addition of new facilities, the summary is far too brief to provide a comprehensive overview. You have not adequately compared the two plans or highlighted the most significant changes in a structured manner. To improve, you must expand your description by grouping information logically and ensuring you cover all major developments shown in the diagrams. The current length significantly limits your ability to develop your ideas, resulting in a low score for this criterion.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response lacks a clear structure. It is written as a single, run-on paragraph that fails to guide the reader through the information. There is a lack of logical progression, and the use of cohesive devices is minimal and repetitive, such as the overuse of 'whereas'. To achieve a higher band, you should organize your writing into clear paragraphs: an introduction, an overview of the main trends, and specific details. Using a wider range of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas would also help improve the flow and readability of your report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is very basic and repetitive. You rely on simple terms like 'there are' and 'a cafe' throughout the text. There is no attempt to use more sophisticated or precise vocabulary related to airport infrastructure or spatial changes. To improve, you should incorporate a wider range of topic-specific vocabulary, such as 'expanded', 'relocated', 'integrated', or 'additional facilities'. Furthermore, ensure that you use accurate terminology for the features shown in the diagrams, such as 'departure lounge' or 'terminal building', rather than just listing items.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The grammatical range is very limited, consisting mostly of simple sentence structures. There are several punctuation errors, such as missing capital letters at the start of sentences and incorrect spacing around commas. The sentence construction is often fragmented, which makes the text difficult to follow. To improve, you should focus on using a variety of complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice, which are essential for describing processes and changes. Additionally, pay closer attention to basic punctuation and sentence boundaries to ensure your writing is grammatically sound.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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