Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-03

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The pie charts below show how working adults in a particular country spent their time in 1958 and 2008.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

* Note: these aren’t the original diagrams given in the test, they were recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Student answer (Band 8.0)

The two pie charts compare how working adults allocated their time to six different daily activities in 1958 and 2008.

Overall, working became the most time-consuming activity in both years and increased considerably over the 50-year period. In contrast, the proportions of time spent sleeping and socialising declined, while travelling to work, relaxing at home, and playing sports accounted for larger shares in 2008.

In 1958, adults spent 33% of their day working, followed closely by 32% on sleeping. Going out with friends and family represented 19%, making it the third most common activity. By comparison, only 8% of the day was devoted to relaxing at home, while travelling to work took just 2%. The remaining 6% was spent playing sports.

By 2008, the percentage of time allocated to work had risen significantly to 42%, making it by far the largest category. Relaxing at home also increased noticeably from 8% to 13%, while commuting rose from 2% to 7%. Playing sports experienced a slight increase, reaching 7%. In contrast, sleeping fell from 32% to 25%, and the proportion of time spent going out with friends and family dropped sharply from 19% to 6%, representing the most substantial decrease among all activities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified and reported the main features of the data, providing a clear overview and supporting it with accurate, well-selected data points. You effectively compared the two years, highlighting significant trends such as the rise in work hours and the sharp decline in socialising. The information is fully developed, and the response covers all parts of the task without any omissions. The data is presented accurately, and the comparison between 1958 and 2008 is logical and easy to follow throughout the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, and the two body paragraphs detailing the specific data for 1958 and 2008. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'By comparison', and 'By 2008' are used naturally and effectively to link ideas and guide the reader. The paragraphing is skilful, and the information flows smoothly from one point to the next, making the report very easy to read and understand.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary. Phrases like 'allocated their time', 'time-consuming activity', 'considerably', and 'substantial decrease' are used accurately and in the correct context. The vocabulary is sophisticated and contributes to a natural, academic tone. There are no errors in word choice or collocation, and the range of terms used to describe trends (e.g., 'risen significantly', 'dropped sharply') is impressive and appropriate for a Task 1 report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'In contrast, the proportions of time spent sleeping and socialising declined, while travelling to work, relaxing at home, and playing sports accounted for larger shares in 2008.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors. The control over sentence structure is excellent, and the writing is error-free, which is characteristic of the highest band level.

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