Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-29
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 piechats compares the percentage of time spent on various activities by working adults in two distinct years 1958 and 2008 .
Overall, it clears that the time spent for playing spots remain similar while time spent for dramatically increased although time for sleep has been reduced
In 1958, working contributes highest percentage of day activity which is one third (33%) followed by sleeping which is just one less than it accounts for 32%.Going out with family took third position with 19% while relaxing at home and playing spots was havin percentage of 8 and 7.Least time spared for travelling to work that accounts for 2%
In 2008, sleeping contributes for quarter of total percentage of day time. There are same percentage for playing sports and travelling to work which accounts 7%.There is significant rise in working days which is 42%.
Percentage of going out with family faced fall which is just 6%
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 addresses the task by identifying the main features of the pie charts. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you mention the percentages for 1958 and 2008, the comparison between the two years is underdeveloped. For instance, you note that working time increased to 42% in 2008, but you do not explicitly contrast this with the 33% in 1958 to highlight the magnitude of the change. Additionally, there are inaccuracies in your data reporting, such as stating that sleeping accounts for a quarter (25%) in 2008 when the chart likely shows a different figure. To improve, ensure you provide a clear overview and use accurate data to support your comparisons.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical. Phrases like 'In 1958' and 'In 2008' are used to transition between paragraphs, but within the paragraphs, the sentences feel disjointed. There is a lack of linking words to connect ideas, such as 'whereas', 'in contrast', or 'consequently'. Furthermore, the referencing is occasionally unclear, making the progression of information feel somewhat stilted. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, but it is quite repetitive and lacks precision. You frequently use basic verbs like 'contributes', 'accounts for', and 'is'. There are also some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'time spared for travelling' (should be 'time spent') and 'playing spots' (likely a typo for 'sports'). To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a wider range of vocabulary, including more sophisticated synonyms and precise collocations related to data description, such as 'witnessed a significant rise' or 'remained relatively stable'.
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 'Overall, it clears that' (should be 'it is clear that'), 'time spent for playing spots remain similar' (subject-verb agreement error), and 'There are same percentage' (missing article). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing spaces after periods and commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of these errors limits the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and proofreading for basic punctuation will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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