Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-02
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 charts provides comparative information regarding the adult how working adults in a particular country spend their time in 1958 and 2008 and the whole data have been measured in percentage.
As observed, the most of the time is spent by the adults was in working over the both given period of time, while the inverse had been true with traveling to work.
As per the data, In 1958, the almost one third of the time was spent on the sleeping and working which is 65% of the given time, while this time was increased by 2% in 2008. In 1958, the 19% percent the total time was spent on going out with friends/family, while this showed a big drop of 13% and reached 6% in 2008. And the least time is spent on the traveling to work in 1958 which was only 2% of the total time and after that it showed a serious growth on 5.5% and reached at 7.5 in 2008. 11% of the total time was spent on relaxing at home in 1958 and after that it increased by 4% and reached at 15% in 2008. At last the 7% of the time
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 attempts to cover the main features of the pie charts, but the analysis is incomplete. The essay ends abruptly mid-sentence, leaving out significant data points and failing to provide a concluding summary. While some comparisons are made, such as the drop in time spent with friends and family, the reporting of figures is often inaccurate or confusing (e.g., stating 65% for sleeping and working combined, then mentioning an increase of 2%). The overview is weak and lacks a clear synthesis of the trends. To improve, ensure all data is accurately transcribed and that the response is fully completed with a clear overview of the main trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by the incomplete nature of the text. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'As observed' and 'As per the data', but they are sometimes used mechanically or inappropriately. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when discussing the shifts in percentages. The abrupt ending significantly disrupts the flow of the response. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words to connect ideas more naturally and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, finished thought before moving to the next.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'the whole data have been measured in percentage' and 'serious growth on 5.5%'. The student relies on basic descriptors like 'big drop' and 'least time'. While the meaning is generally understandable, the lack of precision and the presence of errors in collocation prevent a higher score. To improve, work on using more precise academic vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'significant decline', 'marginal increase', or 'proportion of time'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with article usage ('the most of the time', 'the almost one third'), subject-verb agreement ('The pie charts provides'), and prepositional errors ('growth on 5.5%'). The sentence structures are relatively simple, and the attempt at complex sentences often results in errors. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the incomplete final sentence. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and article usage, and practice constructing more complex sentences with accurate punctuation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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