Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-07
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 plans illustrate the current layout of an airport and the proposed changes that will be made to the site next year.
Overall, the airport will undergo significant redevelopment. The main changes will include the expansion of the terminal building, the addition of new facilities for passengers, and improvements to the road system. In addition, several new gates and walkways will be constructed.
At present, the airport has a terminal building in the centre, with a small number of gates located around it. There is also a road running along the front of the terminal, providing access to the airport. The existing facilities are relatively limited, and there are fewer passenger services available.
After redevelopment, the terminal building will be expanded and a number of new facilities will be added. More gates will be constructed around the terminal, allowing the airport to accommodate more passengers and aircraft. New walkways will also connect different parts of the airport.
Another major change will be made to the transport system. The road in front of the terminal and parking area will be improved. Furthermore, new facilities such as shops, cafés and other passenger services will be introduced.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response effectively summarizes the main features of the airport redevelopment. You have successfully identified the key changes, such as the terminal expansion, the addition of new gates, and the infrastructure improvements. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the transformation. However, to reach a higher band, you could incorporate more specific data or comparative language, such as mentioning the specific number of gates or the relative scale of the expansion. While you mention that the terminal will be expanded, describing the specific direction or the nature of the new walkways would provide a more comprehensive report of the visual information provided in the plans.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear focus, moving from an introduction and overview to a description of the current state, followed by the proposed changes. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'At present', 'After redevelopment', and 'Furthermore' is effective and helps the reader follow the narrative. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is sequenced in a way that makes the comparison between the two timeframes easy to understand. The flow is smooth, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'undergo significant redevelopment', 'accommodate more passengers', and 'transport system' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and appropriate for the task, it lacks a degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the response to a higher band. The word choices are safe and accurate, but incorporating more precise descriptive language regarding the spatial layout or the nature of the construction would improve the lexical variety.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a good command of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'The road in front of the terminal and parking area will be improved.' The use of future passive forms ('will be constructed', 'will be introduced') is appropriate for describing future plans. The grammar is largely error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. The sentences are clear and easy to follow, showing a high level of control over basic and intermediate structures, which is consistent with a strong performance in this criterion.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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