Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-20
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 5.0)
The bar chart illustrates information about the frequency of eating at fast food restaurants among people in america between 2003 and 2013.
Looking at the highest category was once a week in 2006 at 35 % people. This is followed by once or twice a month in 2013 at 35 % same. On the contrast every day catrgory had the lowest percentage in all 3 years which was less than 5 percent eaters. Never was the almost same as a every day.
Movingahead with remaining two categories several times a week had large percentage in 2006 at 20 percent people and second a few times a year had same percentage which was 15 in two years 2006 and 2013. In addition it is noticeable that in all three years once a week had the largest percentage among all categories.
Overall, once a week have the almost largest percentage of customers at fast food restaurant and after that once or twice a month on second number. On the contrary there two times in given three years which have the lowest percentage.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the chart, but the presentation of data is often confusing and inaccurate. For instance, you mention 'once a week in 2006 at 35%', but the chart shows this category is consistently the highest across all years, not just 2006. The comparison between categories is sometimes unclear, such as stating 'Never was the almost same as a every day', which lacks precision. While you identify the main trends, the lack of clarity in reporting the specific figures makes it difficult for the reader to follow the data accurately. To improve, focus on grouping data logically and ensuring that the figures cited match the visual information provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression of ideas is frequently hindered by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. Phrases like 'Movingahead with remaining two categories' feel unnatural and do not effectively guide the reader. Additionally, the use of cohesive devices is often repetitive or misused, such as 'On the contrast' (should be 'In contrast') and 'On the contrary' (used incorrectly to introduce a summary). The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to track which data points are being compared. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words will significantly enhance the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. You rely on basic descriptors like 'large percentage' and 'lowest percentage' throughout the text. There are also several errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'catrgory' and 'Movingahead'. The phrasing '35 % same' is not standard English and impedes clarity. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a wider range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'accounted for', and ensure that your spelling and collocations are more precise.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but grammatical errors are frequent and occasionally affect readability. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('once a week have the almost largest percentage') and awkward sentence construction ('there two times in given three years which have the lowest percentage'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around percentages. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and article usage.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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