Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-11

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 layouts illustrate the site of an airport and how it will look after renovation.

Overall, there will be an expansion in the area of an airport by the addition of ten gates as well as changing the shape of the walkway area into a Y-shape. There will be the addition of some amenities such as an ATM, a cafe, and a sky train.

Currently, the airport has one arrival entrance as well as a departure entrance. Additionally, on the top right corner of the departure area there is a cafe, and opposite to it is a check-in point. Next to the check-in point, there is passport control and a security area. Moreover, on the north side of the airport, there are two walkways for passengers with eight gates.

For the future, they plan to add one gate on each entrance of departure as well as the arrival entrance so that there will be two on each side. In the departure area, the check-in and cafe will change their positions. In addition, there will be a facility for passengers in the form of a bag drop in the northwest corner of the departure area. Furthermore, in the arrival area, there will be the addition of some amenities such as car hire, an ATM, and a cafe. There will be no change in the passport control, customs, and security area. Finally, two walkways will be converted into the sky train with the addition of ten gates so that they will become eighteen in the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the airport redevelopment, including the expansion of gates and the introduction of new facilities. The overview provides a clear summary of the key changes. You have made relevant comparisons between the current and future states, such as the increase in gate numbers and the conversion of walkways. To improve, ensure that you describe the spatial relationships more precisely; for example, when mentioning the 'Y-shape' walkway, clarify how it connects to the existing structure. Overall, you have covered all parts of the task well, providing a clear and logical summary of the visual information provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the current and future layouts. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'Additionally', 'Moreover', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore' to link ideas. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of information from the current state to the future state is easy to follow. To reach a higher band, try to vary your cohesive devices further and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'it', 'they') is always unambiguous.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'renovation', 'amenities', 'walkway', and 'converted'. The language is generally precise enough to convey the intended meaning. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly in the use of 'addition' and 'there is/are'. To improve, incorporate more varied verbs and nouns related to spatial changes, such as 'relocated', 'extended', 'integrated', or 'configuration'. While there are no significant spelling errors, expanding your lexical range would allow for a more sophisticated description of the architectural changes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and grammatically sound, which ensures that communication is not impeded. There are some minor errors, such as 'expansion in the area of an airport' (should be 'the airport') and 'on each entrance of departure' (should be 'at each departure entrance'). While you have attempted some complex structures, the range is somewhat limited. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more varied sentence patterns, such as passive voice constructions or relative clauses, to describe the changes more fluidly.

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

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