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 cafe 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 located at the top 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 7.5

The student produces a well-crafted response that fully addresses all parts of the task. An effective overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting the major transformations such as the walkway extension, the increase in gate numbers, and the introduction of new amenities like shops and a sky train. The body paragraphs accurately contrast the current layout with the proposed future development. Minor details, such as the exact positioning of specific gates (e.g., 'Gates 1–6 will be situated on the left branch, while gates 7–10 will be located at the top'), show close attention to the visual data. The key features are well selected, and the comparisons made are both relevant and accurate. The response meets the highest standards for Task Achievement, earning a band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized and demonstrates a clear progression throughout. It opens with an introductory statement, followed by a concise overview, body paragraphs detailing the 'now' and 'after' states, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'At present', 'After redevelopment', and 'In addition' are used effectively to guide the reader through the comparisons without being intrusive. Paragraphing is handled appropriately, with each major section of the airport plan receiving dedicated focus. Referencing is clear throughout, contributing to a seamless and coherent reading experience.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The vocabulary used is varied and appropriate for an academic task of this nature. The student successfully incorporates less common lexical items and functional phrases, such as 'proposed changes', 'significant expansion', 'Y-shaped arrangement', and 'substantially increase'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, for instance, 'layout', 'facilities', and 'concourse'. There are no noticeable spelling errors, and the vocabulary employed allows the student to convey precise spatial and developmental details fluently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. The student effortlessly handles complex sentence forms, including subordinate clauses ('After passing through security and passport control, passengers enter...') and future tense constructions ('the central walkway will be extended'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is managed securely. While minor slips could be expected at a higher level, the grammatical control demonstrated here is very strong and fully supports clear communication.

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