Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-25
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)
Both pie charts illustrates the proportion of the working adults spent their time on various activities in 1958 and 2008. Overall, it can be say that the working adults spent their most time in 2 activity namely sleeping and working in both years 1958 and 2008.
It is clearly visible that in 1958 almost one third working people spent their time in working which increased 9% after 5 decades. In addition, working adults spent their 8% time for relaxing at home in 1958 which increased to 13% in 2008.
However, in 1958 workers spent 32% time for sleeping which decreased to 25 % after 5 decades. Worker spent their 25% time in travelling to work, going with relatives and plying sports which one fourth of their total activity. Moreover, these four activities spent time decreased to total 20% in 2008. which is one fifth of workers activities.
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 score. While you have identified the main features and provided some comparisons, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For example, you mention that working time increased by 9%, but you do not clearly contrast the specific proportions across the two years. The summary is also slightly inaccurate in its grouping of activities, making the data interpretation difficult to follow. To improve, ensure you cover all categories presented in the charts and provide a more thorough comparison of the data points rather than just listing percentages. The under-length penalty is applied here as the response is 147 words.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical flow is hindered by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. While you use some cohesive devices like 'In addition' and 'However', the connections between sentences are sometimes mechanical or unclear. For instance, the transition between the discussion of working hours and the grouping of other activities is abrupt. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus. Referencing is also occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the progression of your argument.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. You rely on basic terms like 'spent their time' and 'activities' repeatedly. There are also some noticeable errors in word choice, such as 'plying sports' (likely meaning 'playing') and 'going with relatives', which are imprecise. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more specific vocabulary related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'fluctuated', 'accounted for', or 'experienced a rise'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help you avoid repetition and demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'Both pie charts illustrates' (subject-verb agreement), 'it can be say' (incorrect passive voice), and 'these four activities spent time decreased' (awkward syntax). You rely mostly on simple sentence structures, and attempts at more complex sentences often contain errors. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Additionally, practice using a mix of simple and complex structures, ensuring that your verb tenses remain consistent when describing past data. Proofreading for small errors like 'plying' vs 'playing' is also essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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