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)

The given pie charts illustrates the percentages of the day spent by working adults on various activities between 1958 and 2008.

In 1958, the highest proportion of the day adults spent on their was working which is approximately 33% and least ratio where adults spent less time in a day is travelling which is probably 2%.

Adults spent their time on sleeping which is around 32%, after that they spent their leisure time in outdoor activities with friends and family which is almost 19%, than they waste there working time on relaxation nearly 8%.

In 2008, Adults spent their most time on working which is probably 42% and this is the highest ratio among all others while the least activity they did outdoor activities which is probably 6.

They spent their important working time on sleeping activity which is almost 25%, than rest at home probably 13%, as well as they spend their time on travelling and playing sports which is around 7%.

Overall, in both pie charts shows a similiar changes such as in 1958, working hours almost 33% but in 2008 in increased gradually and reached 42%, sleeping and outdoor activity declined in 2008, while relaxing activity increased slightly as compred to 1958.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the pie charts and makes relevant comparisons between 1958 and 2008. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For instance, the student uses vague language like 'probably' and 'almost' repeatedly, which lacks the precision required for a data-based task. While the key trends are identified, the description of the data is occasionally inaccurate (e.g., describing sleeping as 'important working time'). The overview is present but could be more clearly integrated. To improve, focus on reporting the data more accurately and using more precise comparative language rather than guessing the figures.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes repetitive (e.g., 'after that', 'than', 'as well as'). The progression of ideas is occasionally disjointed, particularly in the third and fifth paragraphs where the transition between different activities feels abrupt. Referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the final paragraph where the phrase 'in both pie charts shows a similiar changes' is grammatically awkward and hinders the flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the sophistication expected at higher bands. The student relies on basic descriptors and repetitive phrasing, such as 'highest ratio', 'least activity', and 'spent their time'. There are also instances of word-choice errors, such as 'waste there working time on relaxation' and 'similiar changes'. The range of vocabulary is limited, and the student struggles to use precise terminology to describe statistical trends (e.g., 'increased gradually' is used for a jump from 33% to 42%, which is not necessarily gradual). Expanding the range of synonyms for 'increase', 'decrease', and 'proportion' is recommended.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The given pie charts illustrates'), incorrect preposition usage, and awkward phrasing ('least ratio where adults spent less time'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors in basic sentence construction prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and refining sentence structure would significantly improve the accuracy of the writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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