Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-02

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 graph illustrates the percentag how often indivisuals ate fast food at restaurants in USA from 2003 to 2013.

overall it is clear that, Once a week and Once or twice a month accounted the highest proportion, while eveyday and never goes to restaurant got the lowest figure.

Looking at everyday, through all three years it accounted for less than 5%, Although never goes to restaurant persons aslo got less than 5%, but it was higher than everyday section. however A few times a week recorded a moderate number, in 2006 and 2013 it stood at exactly 15%, whereas in 2003 the percentage was quite low almost 13%. Moving on to several times a week had between 15 to 20% in all three years.

For once a week, in 2003 the figure stood at almost 32%, after 3 years the amount increased slightly and in 2013 the figure fell down to almost 27%. lastly for once or twice a month in 2003 it was at 30% the amount than decreased significantly to 20% in 2006, however in 2013 the percentage increased substantialy to almost 33% .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the given years. An overview is attempted early in the response, noting the highest and lowest categories, such as 'Once a week and Once or twice a month accounted the highest proportion'. However, some of the data reported contains inaccuracies or lacks clarity when compared to the source chart, such as misstating the figures for 'Once or twice a month' in 2006. Some details are underdeveloped or slightly confused, placing the response firmly at this level where relevant ideas are presented, but some parts lack precision and complete development.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The text presents a coherent overall arrangement and follows a logical sequence by discussing the categories across the years. Paragraphing is attempted, although the structural divisions could be managed more effectively. Cohesive devices are used, but some referencing and linking are mechanical or faulty, such as starting multiple sentences with 'however' or conversational transitions like 'Moving on to'. While the general progression is visible, occasional awkward transitions and repetitive sentence openers prevent the writing from achieving a more fluid organisational flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used provides an adequate range for the task, allowing the student to communicate basic trends and proportions. However, there are notable spelling errors ('percentag', 'indivisuals', 'eveyday', 'aslo', 'substantialy') and occasional word choice issues ('goes to restaurant persons'). The student attempts some less common vocabulary, but inaccuracies in word form and spelling persist. These errors do not completely impede communication, but they restrict the lexical score, as precision and control over spelling and word formation are limited.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response shows a mix of simple and some complex sentence forms, demonstrating an attempt to handle comparative structures. However, there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation, such as missing subjects, awkward phrasing like 'while eveyday and never goes to restaurant got the lowest figure', and run-on sentences with comma splices. Punctuation and capitalization are also inconsistent, particularly at the beginning of sentences and paragraphs. While communication is generally maintained despite these errors, the frequent lapses in basic grammatical control prevent the text from reaching a higher standard.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.