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.

IELTS Writing Task 1 percentages of the day adults spent on activities

* 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 provided pie charts illustrates working adults in a particular country in the year of 1958 and 2008. Overall, we discuss about the working days of adults. The working days increased in the year of 2008 than 1958. Going outside with friends or family had also decreased in the year of 2008. On the other hand, the shopping range is much higher in the 1958 as compare to 2008. While, the traveling to work capacity also maximum than 1958. Now, we understand the activities of workers in detail. Initially, we represent the ratio of going outside with friends and family . Its round about 19% in 1958 however, it below in the year of 2008 and become 6%. Secondly, the working range of workers is increased in the year of 2008 and its round about 43%. Moreover, travelling range is maximum in 2008 as compare to 1958. Although, the shopping ratio had decreased in 2008. While, relaxing at home had decreased in the year of 2008 as compare to 1958.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response identifies the main features of the charts, such as the increase in working hours and the decrease in social activities. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and relies on repetitive phrasing. The overview is weak, as it focuses on discussing the topic rather than highlighting the most significant trends. Furthermore, the data reporting is occasionally inaccurate or vague, such as using 'maximum' to describe percentages without clear comparison. To improve, ensure that all data points are clearly linked to the specific years and avoid subjective commentary like 'Now, we understand'.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused. For example, 'Initially' and 'Secondly' are used to list points, but the flow between sentences is disjointed. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'in contrast', 'consequently', 'whereas') to create a more natural and logical progression of ideas throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, often relying on basic terms like 'range', 'ratio', and 'capacity' in contexts where they do not fit naturally. Phrases such as 'its round about' are informal and imprecise. There is little evidence of less common lexical items or an awareness of collocation. To improve, you should aim to use more precise vocabulary related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'fluctuated', 'witnessed a rise', or 'accounted for', and avoid informal conversational fillers.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues (e.g., 'The provided pie charts illustrates') and incorrect preposition usage. Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at complex sentences often result in errors, such as 'While, the traveling to work capacity also maximum than 1958.' Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary commas used frequently. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring verbs agree with their subjects, and practicing the correct use of comparative structures.

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.