Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)
The pie charts illustrate and compare the percentage of time spent by working individuals in a country on various activities between 1958 and 2008. Overall, the proportion of time dedicated to these activities underwent significant changes over the 50-year period, with working and sleeping accounting for the largest shares in both years, though trends shifted dramatically by 2008.
Looking closely at the figures for 1958, working and sleeping formed the largest proportions, both standing at a substantial 33%. Spending time with family accounted for 19%, while relaxation in spare time was only 8%, and travelling to work made up a minimal 2%.
In contrast, the trends shifted notably by 2008. Working hours significantly outperformed all other sectors, surging to 42%. Conversely, the proportion of time spent sleeping fell slightly to 25%. Travelling to work rose to 7%, while going out with friends and family decreased to 6%. Additionally, playing sports emerged as a new category, replacing or adjusting previous leisure habits, leaving going out at a reduced level.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response effectively addresses the task by identifying and comparing the main features of the two pie charts. You have successfully highlighted the key shifts, such as the increase in working time and the decline in sleeping time. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the trends. However, to reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are accurately represented. For instance, you mentioned 'going out with friends and family' decreased to 6%, but the original data likely distinguishes between 'leisure' and 'going out'. Ensure your categorization remains consistent with the provided labels to avoid minor inaccuracies in data reporting.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding overview. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from the 1958 data to the 2008 data effectively. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Conversely', and 'Additionally' to link your points well. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two time periods. To improve, you could vary your cohesive devices slightly more to avoid a mechanical feel, but overall, the structure is clear and easy to follow throughout the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'proportion', 'substantial', 'surging', and 'minimal' effectively. This allows for a precise description of the data. There is an attempt to use less common lexical items, which is positive. To move into the higher bands, ensure that your word choices are always contextually accurate. For example, 'outperformed' is usually used in a competitive context; 'exceeded' or 'rose to become the dominant activity' might be more appropriate when describing time allocation. Overall, your vocabulary is sufficient and contributes to a clear, professional tone.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Your control of grammar is generally strong, with few errors that impede communication. You use participial phrases like 'replacing or adjusting previous leisure habits' effectively to add complexity. Punctuation is generally accurate, and your sentence construction is varied. To achieve a higher score, ensure that your subject-verb agreement and tense consistency remain perfect throughout. The current level of accuracy is high, with only very occasional minor slips, which is characteristic of a strong performance.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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