Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-05
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 demonstrate information about how adults working in a particular country spent their time in 1958 and 2008. The data has been calibrated in percentage.
By having a cursory glance, it is lucid that, in 1958 33 percent adults spent their time in working. After that, 8 percent are relaxing at home. Moreover, 32 percent are sleeping and 2 percent are travelling to work. Furthermore, adults going out with family and friends accounts 19 percent. Lastly, 7 percent adults invest their time in playing sports.
Moving further ahead, it is vivid that, in 2008 percentages of working adults is increase up to 42 percent. However, 13 and 25 percent people prefer relaxing and sleeping at home. After that, 7percent are travelling to work. According to figure 6 percent adults going out with their friends and family. Lastly, 7 percent masses invest their time in playing sports.
Overall, majority of adults spent their time in working in both years. Whereas, least adults enjoy travelling and playing.
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 between the two years. However, the report is somewhat mechanical, listing data points rather than synthesising the information into a cohesive analytical summary. While the key trends are identified, the description of the data is occasionally repetitive, and the 'overview' paragraph is quite brief. To improve, focus on grouping data points more effectively to highlight significant changes or trends, such as the shift in working hours or the decline in social activities, rather than simply listing percentages for each category sequentially.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Furthermore', and 'Moving further ahead' are used to link ideas, although some of these transitions feel slightly forced or unnatural. The progression of information is generally clear, but the internal cohesion within paragraphs could be improved by using more varied referencing and avoiding the repetitive structure of 'After that... Lastly...'. The overall arrangement is coherent, but the flow between sentences could be smoother to achieve a higher band.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. Phrases like 'By having a cursory glance' and 'it is lucid that' are somewhat unnatural in this context. There are also minor errors in word choice, such as 'masses' to refer to adults, which is not appropriate for a formal report. The range is sufficient to convey the main points, but the use of less common lexical items is limited and occasionally inaccurate. Focusing on more academic collocations and precise reporting verbs would enhance the quality of the writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader, such as 'The pie chart demonstrate' (subject-verb agreement), 'percentages of working adults is increase' (incorrect verb form), and '7percent' (missing space). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are persistent throughout the text. To reach a higher band, you should focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement, correct tense usage, and consistent punctuation. Increasing the variety of complex structures while maintaining accuracy will also be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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