Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-23
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 and compares the data of the working individuals in specific country between 1958 and 2008 measure in percentages.
Overall, proportion of working individuals has demonstrates several changes, like working and sleeping habits displays high portion of numbers . Whereas the trends shifted Dramatically lately in 2008.
Looking closely to the numbers, in 1958 employed humans and sleeping habits keeps most of the proportion Substantially around 33%. Spending time with families is 19%. While relaxation at spare time is only 8%, and Travelling to work is minimally 2%.
In contrast, the trends shifted dramatically, due to playing sports in 2008 has replaced the number of going out with friends or family keeping 7%. However, working people has significantly surged to 42%. Sleeping numbers slightly fell to 25%. Travelling to work rose surged to 7%, Finally Going out with friends and family has decreased to only 6%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the task achievement score. While the response attempts to summarize the main features and compare the data, the analysis is somewhat superficial and contains inaccuracies in data reporting (e.g., stating 'sleeping habits' were 33% in 1958 when the chart shows 32%). The overview is present but lacks clarity, and the description of trends is inconsistent. To improve, ensure all data points are accurately transcribed and provide a more comprehensive comparison between the two years, ensuring the response length is sufficient to fully develop the analysis.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes misused, such as 'Whereas the trends shifted Dramatically lately in 2008' and 'Finally Going out with friends and family has decreased'. The progression of ideas is occasionally disjointed, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the two time periods. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive. There are several instances of awkward word choice and incorrect collocations, such as 'employed humans' instead of 'working adults' and 'sleeping numbers' instead of 'time spent sleeping'. The use of 'surged' is sometimes inappropriate for the data shown. The range of vocabulary is just adequate to convey the basic meaning, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Expanding your range of synonyms and focusing on accurate collocations related to data description will help improve your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('proportion... has demonstrates', 'working people has significantly surged') and incorrect verb tenses ('keeps most of the proportion'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary capitalization and missing commas. While there is an attempt at complex sentence structures, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and proofreading for tense consistency. Reducing the frequency of these errors is essential for moving into the higher band levels.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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