Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-03
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 provide the comparative information regarding the adults working in a particular country spent their time in 1958 and 2008 and the whole data is measured in million.
As observed, almost one third of the total time spent on the working in both of given year, while the inverse had been true with travelling to work.
As per the data, In 1958, most of the time was sent on the working which is 33% of the total time and after that it showed a growth of 9% and reached at 42% in 2008. In 1958, sleeping takes 32% of the total time in 1958 and it showed a serious drop of 7% over the given period and it reached 25% in 2008. In 1958, 19% of the total time spent on going out with friends/family and it drop of 13% and reaches and 6% in 2008. and 8% of time spent on relaxing at home and it showed a significant growth of 5% and reached at 13% in 2008. And the least time was spent on travelling to work which is 2% of the total time and it showed a growth of 5% and reached at 7% in 2008.
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 data and makes relevant comparisons. However, the overview is weak; the statement 'almost one third of the total time spent on the working' is inaccurate based on the data provided (33% and 42%). Additionally, the introduction contains a factual error by stating the data is 'measured in million', which is not supported by the pie charts. While the key trends are identified, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, listing percentages rather than synthesizing the information effectively. To improve, ensure the overview highlights the most significant changes, such as the shift from active social/work time to more sedentary activities.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is repetitive and sometimes mechanical, such as the frequent use of 'In 1958' and 'it showed a'. The progression of ideas is logical, but the transition between sentences could be smoother. The referencing is occasionally unclear, and the paragraphing is somewhat basic. To reach a higher band, try to vary the linking phrases and use more sophisticated referencing to connect the data points across the two years more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'the whole data is measured in million' and 'the inverse had been true with travelling'. The repetition of basic verbs like 'showed', 'reached', and 'spent' limits the range. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of more precise collocations or varied descriptive language prevents a higher score. Incorporating more specific vocabulary related to trends and data analysis would significantly improve the quality of the writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'adults working in a particular country spent their time' (missing 'how'), 'most of the time was sent on the working' (incorrect verb 'sent' and article usage), and 'it drop of 13% and reaches and 6%' (tense inconsistency and punctuation errors). These errors are noticeable and occasionally distract the reader, though they do not fully impede communication. Focusing on subject-verb agreement, correct tense usage, and article placement will help improve accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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