Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-12

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 5.5)

There are two pie charts that compares the time spending by working adults, in the year 1958 and 2008, in a specific country. The comparison is shown in percentage form that shows the time for sleep, rest, travel, work and the time for family.

In 1958 working adults utilise their most of the time i.e 35% for work. While the 8% of their day time was spending for rest at home. They sleep for 32%, and the 2% of the time was consumed for travelling to work. 19% was specific for going out with their family/friends. 7% time was devoted to playing sports.

In 2008 the percentage trend changed. Working time increased to 42%. 13% time is for resting. Sleep time is reduced to 25%. Time for travelling to work is increased.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the response. While you have identified some main features, the analysis is incomplete. You have not provided a clear overview of the trends, and the description of the 2008 data is very brief, failing to mention several categories such as sports or family time. To improve, ensure you cover all categories provided in the charts and provide a clear summary statement that highlights the most significant changes between the two years.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into three short paragraphs, which is a logical approach. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. You use basic cohesive devices like 'In 1958' and 'In 2008', but there is a lack of variety in linking words to show comparisons or contrasts between the two time periods. The final paragraph is underdeveloped, which disrupts the overall flow of the report. Using a wider range of cohesive devices, such as 'whereas', 'in contrast', or 'by comparison', would help to better connect your ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but remains quite repetitive and basic. Phrases like 'utilise their most of the time' and 'percentage trend changed' are slightly unnatural. You rely on simple verbs like 'is' or 'was' rather than more precise reporting verbs or descriptive language. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied vocabulary related to data description, such as 'accounted for', 'witnessed a rise', or 'remained stable', and ensure your collocations are accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There are several grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally hinder clarity. For example, 'There are two pie charts that compares' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'time for resting' (awkward phrasing). You rely mostly on simple sentence structures. There is a lack of complex sentence forms, which limits your ability to demonstrate grammatical range. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and try to incorporate more complex structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice, to describe the data more professionally.

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

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