Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-21

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 5.5)

The figure illustrates the current layout of southwest Airport and the proposed changes that are planned for future.

Overall, it is clear that the aresa will undergo significant changes . The main developments include the construction of sky train and the removal of walkway .

At present , the airport has cafe, walkway and check in . The main terminal is located at departures with cafe and check in . There are currently eight gates .

Following the redevolpment, the airport will be considerably massive . The number of gates will increase from number 8 to 18 , with additional gate being constructed on the right north east corner . THe cafe and check in eminties remain unchanged . Furthermore, the bag drop , atm will be added . Meanwhile, walkway will be replaced by sky train , and other car hire is newly introduced .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student addresses the main features of the maps, noting the changes to the airport layout, the expansion of the gates from 8 to 18, the addition of a sky train, and new facilities such as the bag drop and car hire. However, there are some inaccuracies and omissions in the reporting of details; for instance, the text mentions that the walkway will be replaced by a sky train, but the map shows the concourse extending significantly with a sky train running along it, while the walkway is removed. Furthermore, the response falls slightly short of the 150-word minimum requirement, containing only 146 words, which impacts the overall completeness of the task. As a result, the development and coverage are partially limited.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is divided into four short paragraphs, attempting a logical structure with an introduction, an overview, and separate body paragraphs for 'now' and 'after development'. However, paragraphing is somewhat disjointed, and the cohesive devices used are basic and repetitive (e.g., 'At present', 'Following the redevolpment', 'Furthermore'). Progression within paragraphs is sometimes abrupt, such as listing disparate facilities without smooth transitions. Referencing is generally clear, but the overall organizational flow lacks the sophistication required for higher bands.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a map, including terms like 'layout', 'proposed changes', 'construction', and 'facilities'. However, there are noticeable spelling and word choice errors, such as 'aresa' instead of 'area', 'redevolpment' instead of 'redevelopment', and 'eminties' instead of 'amenities'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with mixed success, and these lexical slips occasionally distract the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response includes a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Following the redevolpment, the airport will be considerably massive.' Grammatical control is variable. There are several punctuation and article errors, such as missing articles ('the aresa will undergo', 'with additional gate') and awkward phrasing like 'considerably massive', where 'considerably larger' would be more appropriate. While basic sentences are generally understandable, frequent minor errors prevent the response from achieving a higher band.

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

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