Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-26
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 compares, how working employees spend their most time in between 1958 and 2008.
Overall, working accounted for highest proportion of time in both years, while sleeping was the second largest activity. By contrast, travelling to work and going out with friends or family represented for the lowest ratio.
In 1958, working has the largest ratio with 33%, followed by sleeping has the second largest ratio with 32%, while relaxing at home, travelling to work, and going out with friends and family have the least ratio respectively.
By 2008, working increased rapidly, representing with 42%, Additionally, sleeping decreased with 25% over the period of time, In contrast, going out with friends and family, rises thrice with 19%, meanwhile, relaxing at home increased to 13%.
To sum up, professional adults are preferring to spend more time on working, and sleeping, while activities like ( going out with friends and family, travelling to work remained constant)
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
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 and contains inaccuracies. For instance, the claim that 'travelling to work' remained constant is not supported by the data, and the statement that 'going out with friends and family' rose 'thrice' is confusing and mathematically imprecise. While the overview is present, the data reporting lacks the precision required for a higher band. To improve, ensure that all data points are accurately transcribed and that comparisons are clearly explained rather than just listed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, including an introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, 'Additionally' and 'In contrast' are used, but the flow between sentences is sometimes disjointed. The punctuation is also problematic, with comma splices occurring frequently (e.g., '...period of time, In contrast...'). While there is an overall progression, the lack of sophisticated linking and the frequent punctuation errors hinder the smooth flow of ideas, keeping the score in the mid-range.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision expected at higher levels. There is a reliance on basic descriptors like 'largest ratio' and 'increased'. Some word choices are unnatural or incorrect, such as 'represented for the lowest ratio' and 'professional adults are preferring'. The term 'ratio' is used incorrectly throughout; 'proportion' or 'percentage' would be more appropriate in this context. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and collocations related to data description, such as 'accounted for', 'constituted', or 'witnessed a significant rise'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect verb tenses (e.g., 'working has the largest ratio'), awkward phrasing ('representing with 42%'), and persistent punctuation errors, particularly the misuse of commas. The sentence structure is often repetitive, and the lack of control over basic grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement and preposition usage, limits the score. Focusing on sentence variety and proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy would significantly improve the quality of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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