Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-11
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The chart below shows how frequently people in the USA ate in fast food restaurants between 2003 and 2013.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The chart graph illustrates data how frequently individuals in the United States of America ate in fast food restaurants during period from 2003 to 2013.
Overall, it can be clearly seen that people eating once a week and once or twice a week sets at highest among all the categories, while persons who ate everyday and who never went for the eating are lowest, additionally The other two categories, namely several times a week and a few times a year, accounted for moderate proportions of people.
The percentage of people who ate fast food once a week was approximately 31% in 2003 and increased slightly to 33% in 2006. while The percentage of people who ate fast food every day remained below 4% throughout the period. persons who ate a few times a year is always lower than 15% every time whereas individuals The figures for these groups declined from approximately 4% and 5% in 2003 to around 2–3% and 3%, respectively, in 2013.
People who visit restaurant several times a week during year of 2006 had highest at around 20% which decreased in 2013 at around 16%, On the year of 2003 recorded at around 13% says between both at approximately 17%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response provides a clear overview of the main trends and selects relevant data to support the description. However, the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. While you identify the highest and lowest categories, the reporting of specific figures is occasionally confusing, particularly in the final paragraph where the data interpretation becomes unclear (e.g., 'says between both at approximately 17%'). To improve, ensure that every figure cited is clearly linked to a specific year and category to avoid ambiguity. The overall summary is effective, but the body paragraphs would benefit from a more structured approach to comparing the data points rather than listing them.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or awkward. For instance, the transition 'additionally The other two categories' uses incorrect capitalization and punctuation. There are also instances where referencing is unclear, such as 'The figures for these groups' without a clear antecedent. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that your sentences flow naturally into one another without abrupt shifts in topic or structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'accounted for,' 'moderate proportions,' and 'declined.' However, there are some word choice errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'persons who ate everyday' (should be 'people who ate every day') and 'went for the eating.' These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of your writing. To improve, work on collocations and ensure you are using the correct form of nouns and verbs in context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt to use complex sentences, there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation, such as missing articles ('The chart graph illustrates data'), incorrect verb tenses, and run-on sentences. For example, 'The percentage of people who ate fast food once a week was approximately 31% in 2003 and increased slightly to 33% in 2006. while The percentage...' contains a sentence fragment. Improving your control over basic sentence construction and punctuation will significantly enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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