Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-24

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 7.5)

The plans illustrate the current layout of Southwest Airport and the proposed changes following its redevelopment next year.

Overall, the airport is expected to undergo significant expansion. The most notable changes will be the extension of the existing walkway, the addition of ten new gates, and the introduction of several new facilities, including shops, a sky train, ATMs and car-hire services.

At present, the airport has a relatively simple layout. After passing through security and passport control, passengers enter a central walkway containing eight gates. Gates 1 to 3 are located along the left side, while gates 4 to 8 are positioned further along the walkway. The departures area is on the left of the main entrance, whereas arrivals are on the right. There are also a café and check-in facilities in the departures section.

After redevelopment, the central walkway will be extended and divided into two branches, creating a Y-shaped arrangement. The number of gates will increase from eight to eighteen. Gates 1–6 will be situated on the left branch, while gates 7–10 will be at in and gates 11–18 will be located on the right branch. A sky train will also be installed in the central section to transport passengers between the terminal and the gates.

In addition, the airport will offer a wider range of passenger services. Shops will be added near the beginning of the walkway, while the departures area will contain a bag-drop facility and an additional café. On the arrivals side, passengers will have access to an ATM and a car-hire service. Thus, the redevelopment will substantially increase both the airport's capacity and the range of facilities available to passengers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student provides a clear and well-structured summary of the main features shown in the two maps of Southwest Airport. The overview effectively highlights the principal developments, including the extension of the walkway, the increase in the number of gates from eight to eighteen, and the addition of new amenities such as shops, a sky train, and car-hire services. Key comparisons between the current layout and the proposed redevelopment next year are made accurately. For instance, the student notes that the central walkway will be divided into two branches to create a Y-shaped arrangement and details the repositioning of check-in and arrivals facilities. While there are some minor inaccuracies in specific gate assignments (e.g., stating 'gates 7–10 will be at in and gates 11–18 will be located on the right branch' instead of tracking the visual data precisely), these do not detract from an overall comprehensive reporting of the visual data. The response meets all requirements for a high band in task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response is exceptionally well-organized and easy to follow. Information is logically sequenced, beginning with a clear introductory paragraph, followed by a concise overview, a detailed description of the current layout, an account of the future changes, and a concluding summary of passenger services. Paragraphing is used skillfully, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the task. Cohesive devices such as 'At present', 'After redevelopment', 'In addition', and 'Thus' are employed naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the comparison. Referencing is clear throughout, and the progression of ideas is smooth and logical, representing strong control over textual cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'proposed changes', 'significant expansion', 'Y-shaped arrangement', and 'substantially increase'. Word choice is generally precise and natural, capturing the spatial and architectural transformations effectively. There are only occasional minor lapses, such as a slight typographic slip ('at in'), but these do not impede communication. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, reflecting a strong command of lexical resources.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses, passive voice constructions (e.g., 'will be extended and divided', 'will be installed'), and participial phrases ('creating a Y-shaped arrangement'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly. While there is a minor typographical error in sentence four of the fourth paragraph ('gates 7–10 will be at in and gates 11–18...'), this is a singular oversight in an otherwise grammatically sophisticated piece of writing. The control of grammar fully supports clear and precise communication.

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