Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-25

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)

This chart compares frequently people in the USA ate in junk food restaurants between 2003 to 2013. The unit measure in percentage.

Overall, the highest proportion is eat once a week in 2006, once or twice a month in 2013 and lowest is every day in 2006 and 2013.

Firstly, mostly residence eat fast food once a week in 2006 that is equal to almost 33%, other people how ate once or twice a month is 25%, some ate several times a week is 20%, a few times a year is 15%, every day is 3% and how never ate is 4% of people. Furthermore, in 2003 every day ate is 4% , never ate is 5%, a few times a year is 15%, once a week is highest is almost 33% , once or twice a month is 25%, several times a week is 16% almost and other how never eat is 5%.

Secondly, as in 2013 every day is equal to 2006 is 3% , several times a week is 16%, once a week is 28%, once or twice a month

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to summarize the data but fails to complete the task as the final paragraph is cut off mid-sentence. While the main features are identified, the reporting is repetitive and lacks a clear analytical focus. The comparison between years is present but presented in a list-like fashion rather than a cohesive summary. To improve, ensure all data points are fully integrated into a structured analysis and avoid simply listing figures, which prevents the development of a clear overview. The response is incomplete, which significantly impacts the ability to fully address the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay uses basic cohesive devices such as 'Firstly' and 'Secondly', but the progression of ideas is hindered by the incomplete nature of the final paragraph. Paragraphing is attempted, but the structure is disjointed. Referencing is often unclear, particularly when referring to the data points, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison. To improve, focus on using a wider range of linking words to connect sentences and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, logical purpose that contributes to the overall summary.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on the prompt's language. There are noticeable errors in word choice, such as 'junk food restaurants' (which is not the term used in the prompt) and 'residence' instead of 'residents'. The phrasing 'unit measure in percentage' is awkward and lacks precision. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a more varied range of vocabulary to describe trends and proportions, such as 'a significant proportion', 'the majority', or 'remained stable'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. Examples include 'This chart compares frequently people' (should be 'how frequently'), 'other people how ate' (should be 'who ate'), and 'every day ate is 4%'. Sentence structures are mostly simple, and there is a lack of control over complex sentence forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, focus on basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of relative pronouns like 'who' versus 'how'.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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