Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The given bar graph illustrate about the ratio of individuals in USA ate in fast food restaurants between 2003 and 2013.

Overall, it is clearly noticeable ratio of once a week and twice a month is highest among the all.

To commence with, the year 2003 in that year once a week ratio was on the peak and lowest portion is covered by everyday.20% of peoples visit restaurants several times a week . 30% of individuals visit restaurants once or twice a month, however only 12% citizens eating a few times a year in restaurant.

In the year 2006, 33% individuals eat once a week ,gradually ratio decreased 25% of peoples eat one or twice a month in restaurants. 15% a few times a year and only 5 % never ate in restaurants.

Whereas, in the year 2013,similarly every day and never remains for 3% and 4%. Once or twice a month ratio was on the peak occupied by 33%. once a week contain 27% individuals and a few times a year covered15%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response provides a summary of the main features, but it lacks a clear overview of the trends. While you mention that 'once a week' and 'once or twice a month' are the highest categories, the description of the data is somewhat disjointed. You have selected key figures, but the comparison between years is limited. To improve, ensure you group the data logically rather than listing percentages year by year. A stronger overview would highlight the general stability or shifts in consumer behavior over the decade, rather than just stating which categories were highest.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive. For example, the transition 'To commence with' is a bit formal for a data description task. Some sentences feel disconnected, such as the sudden jump to '20% of peoples' without a clear link to the previous sentence. Improving the flow between sentences using a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Conversely,' 'Following this trend') would enhance the logical progression of your ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it is somewhat limited and repetitive. You frequently use the word 'individuals' and 'peoples' (which is grammatically incorrect in this context; 'people' is the plural). There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'ratio was on the peak'. To reach a higher band, try to use more precise terminology for describing data, such as 'proportion,' 'percentage,' 'fluctuated,' or 'remained stable.' Avoid using 'ratio' when you are referring to percentages or proportions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('The given bar graph illustrate') and article usage ('in USA'). You also have some awkward phrasing, such as '12% citizens eating a few times a year'. While you attempt some complex structures, they are often marred by errors that can make the meaning slightly unclear. Focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject and verb, and pay closer attention to pluralization and prepositions.

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

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