Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-18
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 given bar graph illustrates an information about the people who eats in a fast food restaurants in the USA over a period of decade from (2003 to 2013).
A cursory glance at the given representation is sufficient to note that out of all the frequency of people who went outside to eat once a week in 2006, was topped the list almost 34%, similarly, the percentage of people who ate fast food in a restaurant once or twice a month was same in 2013. There was a difference of about 3% among the percentage of people who eat several times a weeks in fast food restaurant in 2003 and 2006.
Probing further, around 4%, 3% and, 3% percentile of people who visited a fast food restaurant to eat everyday in 2003, 2006 and 2013, respectively. However, there was a decline of 3% among the frequency of people who ate fast food in restaurant once a weeks in 2003 and 2013. Meanwhile, in 2003, the rise was seen in the proportion of eating food in restaurant a few times a year from around 12% in 2003 to 15% in 2006 and 2013. around 5% percentage of people who never eat fast food in restaurant from 2003 to 2013 in USA.
From an overall, the maximum percentage of people who eat in a fast food once a week in 2006. However, the percentage of people who never went to eat in a restaurant was in 2013.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the chart, but the presentation of data is often confusing and lacks clarity. While you identify some key trends, such as the peak in 2006 for those eating out once a week, the comparisons are frequently inaccurate or difficult to follow. For instance, stating that the percentage of people eating once or twice a month was 'same in 2013' is vague and does not clearly reference the data. Additionally, the summary of the 'never' category is incomplete. To improve, focus on grouping data logically—perhaps by frequency category—rather than listing isolated figures, and ensure that all comparisons are precise and directly supported by the provided chart.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression within paragraphs is weak. Many sentences feel disconnected, and the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused. For example, the transition 'Probing further' is an unnatural way to introduce a new paragraph in a data report. Furthermore, referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between years. Improving the use of linking words (e.g., 'in contrast', 'similarly', 'consequently') and ensuring each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but there are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors. Phrases like 'a cursory glance' and 'topped the list almost 34%' are not used in a natural, academic way. You also struggle with terminology, such as using 'percentile' incorrectly when referring to percentages. There is some repetition of basic structures, and the lack of precision in describing trends (e.g., 'the rise was seen') limits your score. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise reporting verbs and nouns, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'a significant proportion'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'people who eats' and 'people who eat... was topped'. Additionally, there are errors in article usage and sentence structure, such as 'an information' and 'from an overall'. While you attempt some complex structures, they are often faulty, leading to confusion. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions when describing data trends. Proofreading for these common errors before finishing your task will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.