Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-22

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 plans illustrate the existing layout of Southwest Airport and the proposed changes that are scheduled to be implemented next year.

Overall, the airport is expected to undergo substantial expansion and modernisation. The most notable developments will be the construction of a new terminal building, the introduction of additional gates and passenger facilities, and significant improvements to the road system. Despite these changes, the runway and control tower will remain largely unchanged.

At present, the airport has a relatively simple layout, with a single terminal situated in the centre of the site and a series of gates extending from it. The terminal is connected to the main road by a relatively straightforward access route, while a car park is located near the entrance. There are also basic facilities for passengers, including a café and a small shop.

Under the proposed redevelopment, the terminal will be considerably enlarged and divided into separate areas for arrivals and departures. The number of aircraft gates will also increase, providing greater capacity for passengers and planes. In addition, several new amenities, including restaurants, shops and other passenger services, are planned within the expanded terminal complex.

The road infrastructure will likewise be improved. The existing access road will be widened and a new road system will be introduced to facilitate smoother traffic flow around the airport. More parking spaces will also be provided, while dedicated areas for taxis and public transport will make access to the terminal more convenient. Overall, the redevelopment will transform the airport from a relatively basic facility into a substantially larger and more comprehensive transport hub.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5

The student provides an overview of the airport plans, noting that it will undergo substantial expansion and modernisation. However, the response contains significant hallucinations and discusses features that are completely absent from the provided visual data, such as a runway, control tower, and an extensive road system with public transport and taxis. Task 1 requires accurate reporting of the visual information provided rather than outside knowledge or invention. Because the student describes multiple major features not shown in the source diagram while missing core details actually present in the plans (such as the Y-shaped concourse extension, the sky train, specific security/passport control locations, and the newly added shops and car hire areas), the task response is seriously compromised.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The writing demonstrates a clear overall arrangement with logical paragraphing. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving from an introductory summary to the overall changes, current layout, and future developments. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In addition', and 'Under the proposed redevelopment' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the text. Referencing is generally clear, and paragraphing is managed sufficiently, contributing to a smooth reading flow despite the content deficiencies.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student exhibits an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for describing plans and developments, using words such as 'substantial expansion', 'modernisation', 'infrastructure', and 'facilitate'. While there are attempts at less common phrasing, the lexical choices describe features entirely outside the provided graphic (e.g., 'runway', 'control tower', 'road system'). Consequently, vocabulary cannot be fully credited for accurate task execution, though the words used are spelled correctly and deployed naturally within their respective sentences.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating relative clauses and passive forms effectively (e.g., 'the airport is expected to undergo', 'the existing access road will be widened'). Grammar and punctuation are handled with a high degree of accuracy, and there are many error-free sentences throughout the text. Complex structures are attempted with good control, meaning the grammatical range and accuracy are strong points of this essay.

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