Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-07
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 bar chart compares the eating habits of USA' citizens in term of their turn around in fast food restaurants over the period of 10 years.
It is clear that the frequency of eating at fast food restaurants among individuals in the USA fell down considerably in 2013 as they only prefer fast food once or twice a month.
In 2003, almost 4% American citizen went to restaurants to buy burgers, sandwiches and pizzas on daily bases, while in 2006 and 2013 the number drops down and only 3% people preferred junk food. In terms of how many people chose quick-service food in several times a week, the year 2006 takes the battle with 20% customers. The fast food was most appealed USA' nationals if they don't eat it once a week and once or twice a month, so in that period of time almost 32% citizens visited at junk food restaurants in 2006 and 2013 respectively.
On the other hand, there were also individuals existed who never visited any fast food restaurant or they preferred to went a few time a year. The 5% citizens in 2003 who never visited any such restaurant while later the number decreases and went to 4% in both years 2006 and 2013.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response provides a general overview and attempts to report main features. However, the data interpretation is inconsistent and occasionally inaccurate. For example, the statement that 32% of citizens visited fast food restaurants in 2006 and 2013 'respectively' is confusing and does not clearly align with the chart's data points. Furthermore, the description of trends is somewhat vague, and the grouping of categories is not always logical. While the main features are identified, the lack of precision in reporting the data prevents this from reaching a higher band. To improve, ensure that data points are cited accurately and that comparisons between years are clearly articulated.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'takes the battle with' are inappropriate for an academic report, and the transition between ideas is sometimes abrupt. Referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the third paragraph where the connection between the percentages and the years is muddled. While there is an overall logical arrangement, the flow is hindered by these awkward transitions and imprecise linking words. Improving the variety and accuracy of cohesive devices would significantly enhance the readability of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. There are several instances of awkward word choice and non-standard collocations, such as 'turn around in fast food restaurants', 'junk food', and 'USA' nationals'. The phrase 'takes the battle with' is too informal for an Academic Task 1 response. While the student attempts to use a range of vocabulary, the errors in word choice occasionally make the meaning slightly unclear. Focusing on more academic collocations and precise terminology for describing trends would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Examples include 'USA' citizens', 'on daily bases', 'the number drops down', and 'preferred to went a few time'. These errors in subject-verb agreement, verb forms, and pluralisation are noticeable throughout the text. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. A more careful review of basic grammar rules, particularly verb tenses and plural forms, is recommended to improve accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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