Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
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 % of people. This is followed by once or twice a month in 2013 at 35 % same. On the contrast every day category had the lowest percentage in all 3 years which was less than 5 percent eaters. Never was the almost same as every day.
Moving ahead 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 has the almost largest percentage of customers at fast food restaurants 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 | 5.5 |
| 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 covers the main features of the chart, but the reporting of data is inconsistent and occasionally inaccurate. For example, you state 'once a week' was the largest percentage in all three years, but the chart shows 'once or twice a month' was higher in 2013. Additionally, the description of the data is somewhat disjointed, and the comparison between years is not fully developed. To improve, ensure you accurately transcribe the figures from the chart and provide a clearer overview of the trends rather than just listing individual data points. The summary lacks a cohesive synthesis of the data 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 weak. Transitions like 'Moving ahead with remaining two categories' are unnatural and mechanical. Referencing is also unclear at times; for instance, 'at 35 % same' is confusing and does not clearly link back to the previous data point. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes repetitive, which hinders the flow of the information. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic phrasing such as 'large percentage' and 'lowest percentage'. There are also some awkward collocations and word choices, such as '35 % same' and 'on the contrast', which should be 'in contrast'. To improve, try to incorporate more varied vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'accounted for', and ensure that your use of prepositions and comparative structures is accurate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'Looking at the highest category was once a week', which is a dangling modifier, and 'there two times in given three years', which lacks a verb and proper articles. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly regarding the placement of percentages. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles would help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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