Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-10-02

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 5.0)

The figures illustrate the present condition of an airport named Southwest and how it will be reconstructed the following year.

Overall, the airport will undergo several modications next year. However, the location of security, passport controls, customs and cafe will remain unchanged.

At present, there are eight gates with two walkways in the northern part of the airport. The airport is divided into two sections: security, passport control on the left side and passport control, customs on the right side. Moreover, check-in is on the west side, while cafe is on the east corner, behind the passport control of the left section. Consequently, departures and arrivals are on the either part of the airport on

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.5

The response fails to meet the minimum length requirement of 150 words, stopping abruptly at 115 words and remaining incomplete. While it attempts to describe both the present and future layouts of Southwest Airport, the information is partial and underdeveloped. Key features of the redevelopment, such as the Y-shaped concourse extension, the addition of the sky train, car hire, and shops, are entirely omitted because the text cuts off mid-sentence. To achieve a higher band, the response must be fully completed to at least the word count minimum and present a well-developed overview of all major changes depicted on both plans.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The essay displays some basic organization with an introductory sentence and paragraphing, but it lacks an overall logical progression due to the incomplete nature of the response. Cohesive devices are minimal and basic, with words like 'Overall', 'However', and 'Moreover' used to link ideas. Paragraphing is attempted, but the abrupt ending prevents a fully coherent structure. To improve, the writer needs to ensure that ideas flow logically from the introduction through the body paragraphs to a proper concluding overview, using a wider variety of cohesive devices accurately without mechanical repetition.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for basic description, featuring terms such as 'present condition', 'reconstructed', and 'location'. However, there is a spelling error with the word 'modications' instead of modifications. The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with few attempts at less common lexical items suitable for describing maps and spatial changes. To reach a higher level, the writer should incorporate precise vocabulary related to architectural changes and spatial configurations, such as 'expand', 'relocate', and 'configuration'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The text shows a limited range of sentence structures, primarily relying on simple and basic complex sentences such as 'The figures illustrate the present condition...' and 'At present, there are eight gates...'. There are some grammatical issues, such as missing articles or awkward phrasing in prepositional patterns like 'on the either part of the airport'. Because the response cuts off mid-sentence, complex grammatical structures cannot be fully demonstrated or sustained. To improve, the writer must practice forming accurate complex sentences and paying closer attention to articles and prepositions.

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

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