Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-19

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 given pie charts explain how the working adults spent their time in 1958 and what the changes occur in 2008.

Overall, the given two pie charts illustrate the ratios of the day spent by working adults on several activities in 1958 and 2008. The maximum activity performed by adults in 1958 was working. On the other hand, working is still maximum activity perform by working adults in 2008 but its ratio increase now from 33% to 42%. The minimum activity performed in 1958 was Travelling to work and in 2008, the least perform activity is going out with family.

In 1958, the maximum activity performed, was Working with 33% of ratio. Its percentage improves in 2008 upto 42% which is still highest ratio.In 1958, almost 8% Adults was relaxing at home but now the percentage increases to 13%. Travelling to work was least performed activity by the adults in 1958. The ratios of sleeping and Going out with family was 32% and 17% respectively in 1958.

But, in 2008 the percentage of sleeping is slightly reduced to 25%. Playing sports and travelling to work have same ratio of 7% which is definately higher than 1958. Going out with family is the least performed activity in 2008 and its percentage reduced to 6% from 19% in 2008.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the charts, identifying key trends such as the increase in working hours and the decrease in sleeping time. However, there are some inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, the student states that 'Going out with family' was 17% in 1958 and reduced to 6% in 2008, but the text also mentions it as the 'least performed activity' in 2008, which is confusing. Additionally, the overview is somewhat repetitive, as it restates the prompt rather than synthesizing the most significant trends. To improve, ensure all data points are accurately transcribed and provide a more concise, analytical summary of the overall changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited and occasionally repetitive (e.g., 'In 1958' is used at the start of multiple sentences). The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas more fluidly, such as 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' or 'Conversely,' and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus rather than just listing data points.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate to convey the meaning, but it lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. There is frequent repetition of basic terms like 'activity,' 'performed,' and 'ratio.' Some word choices are unnatural, such as 'its ratio increase now' instead of 'the proportion increased.' There are also minor errors in word formation, such as 'definately' (spelling) and 'least perform activity' instead of 'least performed activity.' To reach a higher band, incorporate more varied vocabulary related to trends and data, such as 'fluctuated,' 'remained stable,' or 'accounted for.'

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('Adults was relaxing,' 'ratios... was 32%'), incorrect verb tenses ('what the changes occur'), and missing articles. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from being considered error-free. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage when describing past data versus current trends. Proofreading for basic punctuation and article usage would also be beneficial.

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.