Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-06
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 given bar chart illustrates information about how frequently individuals in the USA ate in junk food restaurants from 2003 to 2013. the data is represented in number.
Overall, it can be seen that people in USA the highest ate fast food on once a week and once or twice a month. However, the lowest ate fast food in USA on every day and never.
To begin with, frequency of eating at junk food to commence from 2003 starting from every day around 4% then it was increased nearly 16%
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. Because the text is only 90 words long, the task is only partially addressed. The summary is incomplete, as it fails to cover the full range of data points or provide a comprehensive comparison of the trends over the decade. The overview is present but lacks the necessary detail to fully capture the main features of the chart. To improve, you must ensure you write at least 150 words and provide a more thorough analysis of the data provided in the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response shows some attempt at logical organization, with an introduction and an overall summary. However, the progression is interrupted by the premature ending of the text. Cohesive devices are minimal, and the paragraphing is not fully developed due to the lack of content. The transition between the overview and the body paragraph is abrupt. To achieve a higher score, you should use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'furthermore', 'in contrast', 'consequently') to connect your ideas more fluidly and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, distinct purpose.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is somewhat repetitive and basic. Phrases like 'junk food restaurants' are used, but the range is limited. There are also issues with word choice, such as 'the data is represented in number', which is imprecise. To improve, you should aim to use more academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'experienced a significant decline'. Expanding your range of synonyms and using more precise collocations will help you convey information more effectively and professionally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that hinder clarity. For example, 'people in USA the highest ate fast food on once a week' is syntactically incorrect and confusing. There are also issues with article usage ('in USA') and sentence structure. The range of structures is very limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences. To improve, you should focus on mastering basic sentence construction and then work on incorporating complex structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice, while ensuring that your subject-verb agreement and preposition usage are accurate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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