Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-29

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 the ratio of fast food eaten by people between 2003 and 2013 in USA . Overall , the significant figures is highest ratio in a once a week . Now turning to details , the highest ratio is in once a week which is larger in 2006 approximately 34 percent . In 2003 people who ate fast food is almost 30 percent . In contrast , people who ate once or several time a week has highest percentage in 2013 and has almost same ratio in 2003 . Furthermore , in several time a week it had 20 percent in 2006 , almost 16 percent in 2013 and 17 percent in 2003 . The people who ate never and everyday have a little difference . On everyday it has equal ratio in 2006 and 2013 . people who ate fast food never also has same ratio in 2006 and 2013 . In addition to it .people who ate junk food few times a year had almost 15 percentage in 2013 and 2006 while approximately 13 percent in 2003 .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses the task by identifying some main features, such as the 'once a week' category. However, the overview is weak and lacks a clear summary of the overall trends. The reporting of data is often inaccurate or confusing, such as the claim that 'once a week' was largest in 2006, which is not clearly supported by the data provided. Comparisons are attempted but are often imprecise or difficult to follow due to grammatical errors. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the most significant trends rather than just listing figures, and double-check the accuracy of the data points cited.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hampered by repetitive sentence structures and a lack of effective cohesive devices. Transitions like 'Now turning to details' and 'In addition to it' feel mechanical and do not always connect ideas smoothly. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between different years and categories. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, moving from general trends to specific supporting details.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'ratio', 'percentage', and 'ate'. There are several instances of awkward word choice, such as 'the significant figures is highest ratio' and 'junk food few times a year'. The range is insufficient to convey the data with precision. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more varied vocabulary related to trends and data, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', 'peaked', or 'a marginal increase'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('the significant figures is', 'people who ate... has'), incorrect article usage, and awkward sentence construction. While there is an attempt at complex sentences, they are often faulty or poorly punctuated. The control over basic grammar is inconsistent. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions when describing data points. Proofreading for basic errors like 'people who ate fast food is' (should be 'are') is essential.

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