Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-12

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 6.0)

The diagrams outline the current layout of South west Airport and the proposed changes for it's redevelopment in the coming year. Although, significant modifications are planned for the gates, check in and other facilities. However, somethings remain unchanged like the security, Passport control and customs.

To begin with, at present the airport only has 8 gates located on the north sides. On the other hand, However, it is planned that after redevelopment these gates will be increased to 18, extending in both north east and north west directions. While the current walkways on the north west side will be demolished to make space for two new sky trains positioned centrally between the gates, thus making Passenger movement easier.

In addition, below the new gates in the south west direction a new shopping area will be made. However, the security and passport control areas will remain unchanged in the south west and south east

direction. Adding on, the check-in area will be

relocated to the opposite side and replaced by a

new bag drop facility. Along with this the

coffee shop will be relocated ~~below~~ from it's

position to below the new bag drop area.

Furthermore, an ATM and cafe will be established

in the south west direction. Moving on, the departures

area initially located at the center, will be divided

into two separate sections on the south east side

Similarly, the arrivals area will follow the same

pattern as a result facilitating better passenger

flow and service efficiency.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by outlining the main features of the current airport layout and comparing them with the proposed redevelopment plans for the coming year. Key features, such as the increase in gates from 8 to 18, the addition of sky trains, shopping areas, and the relocation of check-in and bag drop facilities, are all accurately reported. The student provides a clear overview and highlights both the changes and the features that remain unchanged, such as security and customs. The information is well-selected, ensuring that the comparison between the two maps is clearly established without unnecessary detail.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The student uses standard sequencing and transitional phrases like 'To begin with', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore' to guide the reader through the various sections of the airport maps. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different areas and features of the airport. However, there are some minor mechanical issues with cohesion and punctuation, such as fragmented sentences (e.g., starting sentences with 'Although,' followed by a comma splice), which prevent the cohesion from being completely smooth, placing this criterion solidly in the band 6 to 7 range.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating specific architectural and geographical terms such as 'redevelopment', 'demolished', 'relocated', and 'passenger flow'. There are some successful attempts at less common vocabulary items. However, there are a few word choice and collocation inaccuracies, such as 'bag drop facility' instead of bag drop area, and minor typographical or referencing slips like 'it's' instead of 'its'. Despite these minor errors, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning with reasonable precision and flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating an ability to construct multi-clause sentences such as 'While the current walkways on the north west side will be demolished to make space for two new sky trains positioned centrally between the gates'. However, there are several grammatical errors and punctuation flaws, notably sentence fragments ('Although, significant modifications...') and incorrect comma usage ('On the other hand, However, it is planned...'). These errors occasionally disrupt the flow of reading, though they do not seriously impede overall communication. The control over complex structures is developing.

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