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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 1 Band 9.0 Example

Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.

187 words AcademicTask 1Process Diagram
Task 1

Illustrative target band for this original model answer.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • The clearest overall change is the rise in gate capacity from 8 gates at present to 18 after redevelopment.
  • The airport keeps its basic left-right arrangement: departures are on the left and arrivals on the right.
  • The future plan adds passenger services and replaces the walkway with a sky-train connection.

Suggested structure

  1. Paraphrase the task and identify the airport and planned timeframe.
  2. Give an overview of the largest changes, especially the increase in gates and added facilities.
  3. Describe the present terminal arrangement and its connection to the gates.
  4. Explain the future concourse shape, new services and sky-train link.
  5. End with a concise comparison of what stays similar and what changes.
Useful vocabulary & examples
gate capacity
The number of gates an airport can provide for passengers and aircraft.

The redevelopment will increase gate capacity from 8 to 18.

branch into two arms
To divide into two extending sections from a central point.

The future concourse will branch into two arms.

baggage-drop facilities
Places where passengers can hand over checked luggage.

Baggage-drop facilities are shown in the redeveloped terminal.

sky-train connection
A train link that transports passengers between airport areas.

A sky-train connection will serve the expanded gate area.

Task Prompt

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.
IELTS Writing Task 1 visual

User Essay Analysis

Review the public answer with report-style highlights.

Band 9.0

The diagram illustrates the differences between the present and the planned layout of a Southwest airport following extensive renovations. Overall, significant changes are expected, particularly the addition of multiple gates and modern facilities. Notably, the passport control areas will remain in their current positions. Moving to the southern side of the airport, the entrances for departures and arrivals will remain in separate areas, with departures on the left and arrivals on the right. The central access corridor will be expanded, and the number of gates will increase from eight to eighteen, numbered consecutively along the extended pier.

The main terminal will also offer a wider range of services. At present, the facilities shown include check-in, a café and a walkway, as well as the gates. After redevelopment, check-in will be retained, while a bag-drop point, an ATM, a sky-train station and a car-hire facility will be added; the café will also remain. Security and passport-control areas will continue to serve the terminal, and customs facilities will be provided on both sides. Overall, the redevelopment expands the gate area and passenger amenities while retaining the airport’s basic arrangement.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Replace the opening phrase “Moving to the southern side…” with a direct location phrase, then check that every introductory clause clearly describes the sentence subject.
2
Make the time contrast explicit throughout: state which facilities are present now, which are retained, and which are added after redevelopment.
3
Use neutral labels supported by the diagram, and include the gate comparison precisely: eight at present versus eighteen after development.

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