Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-05
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 frequency of eating fast food at restaurants during 2003 ,2006 and 2013.
To begin with, The percentage every day fast food eater was under 5% since 2003. This figure inclined rapidly almost three times for several times a week, followed by 30% for people ate once in a week that is maximum number. this proportion was declined quickly up to 5% for never eater and 30% for Once or twice a month , and 15% for a few times. In 2006 , fast eater percentage was under 5% for every day and never . However , under 25% people visited several times a week and a few times a week , the highest number of people visited once a week (33%). Furthermore, nearly 5% masses went every day and never in 2013 and this number was almost same for several times a week and a few times a year 15% which is double for Once a week and t
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to summarise the data, but it fails to provide a clear overview or highlight the most significant trends effectively. The description of the data is often confusing and inaccurate; for example, stating that '30% for people ate once in a week that is maximum number' is unclear and does not accurately reflect the chart's trends. The report lacks a cohesive summary of the main features, and the data points mentioned are often difficult to follow or interpret. The response ends abruptly, leaving the analysis incomplete. To improve, you should focus on identifying the most prominent trends—such as the dominance of the 'once a week' category—and ensure your comparisons are logically structured.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay lacks a logical flow. While there is an attempt at paragraphing, the internal structure of the paragraphs is disjointed. Cohesive devices are used in a mechanical or incorrect way, such as the repetitive use of 'and' to link unrelated clauses. The progression of ideas is difficult to follow, particularly in the final paragraph, which is fragmented and lacks a clear conclusion. Referencing is often unclear, making it hard for the reader to identify which data point is being discussed. Improving the use of transition signals and ensuring each sentence builds logically upon the previous one would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and often repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'number', 'percentage', and 'people' throughout the text. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'fast eater percentage' and 'masses went', which sound unnatural in an academic context. Some phrases are confusing, such as 'this proportion was declined quickly', where the passive voice is used incorrectly. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise vocabulary related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'accounted for', and ensure that your word choices are contextually appropriate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'this proportion was declined' and '30% for people ate'. Punctuation is also problematic, with inconsistent spacing around commas and periods. The sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors, such as the final sentence which is incomplete and syntactically broken. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring correct verb tenses, and proofreading for punctuation errors. Increasing your use of complex structures, such as subordinate clauses, will also help once your foundational grammar is more secure.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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