Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-17

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)

The pie chart illustrates proportion of the day spend by working in a one nation between 1958 and 2008.

Overall, it can be clearly seen that Working in 2008 was highest proportion. Travelling to work and played sports was similar in 2008 while, travelling to work was least proportion category.

In 1958, working and sleeping was approximately similar, the proportion is 33% and 32%. Going out with friends/family is 19% proportipon. Relaxing at home and travelling to work approximately similar, the proportion is 8% and 2%.

In 2008, Working is accounted for 42%. Travelling to work and playing sports is similar proportion is similar 7% whereas, going out with friends and family is 6% category. sleeping proportion was 25% proportion in the day spent by working adults on various activities. Relaxing at home is 13% is lowest category proportion than 1958 year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While you have identified the main features of the charts, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a cohesive overview. You have successfully selected key data points to compare, such as the increase in working hours and the decrease in sleep, but the lack of sufficient length means that the reporting of information is not fully developed. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive summary and extend your analysis of the trends to meet the length requirement.

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 somewhat repetitive and basic. Phrases like 'In 1958' and 'In 2008' are used to transition between paragraphs, but there is a lack of sophisticated linking words to connect ideas within the paragraphs. The progression of information is logical, but the mechanical nature of the sentences makes the flow feel somewhat disjointed. Improving the variety of your cohesive devices will help your ideas connect more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it is quite repetitive. You frequently use the word 'proportion' and 'similar' to describe the data, which limits the range of your expression. There are also some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'lowest category proportion' and 'working is accounted for'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a wider range of synonyms and more precise vocabulary to describe trends and data points, such as 'accounted for', 'constituted', or 'fluctuated'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. For example, 'proportion of the day spend by working' should be 'spent by working adults', and 'travelling to work and played sports was similar' contains a tense inconsistency. Additionally, there are issues with subject-verb agreement and article usage throughout the text. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to affect the overall clarity of your writing. Focusing on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy will be beneficial.

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

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