Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-10-19

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 4.0)

This two charts illustrates the percentage of the day spent by working adults on various activities from 1958 to 2008.

Overall, the most highest activities in both charts from 1958 to 2008 are working (33%) is 1958 and (42%) in 2008.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

You identify the topic and report the working figures accurately: 33% in 1958 and 42% in 2008. However, the response gives almost no summary of the charts: it omits the other activities, changes over time, and any meaningful comparison or overview beyond working. The claim that working is the “most highest” activity in both years is not supported by the 1958 data, where sleeping is 32% and working is 33%—working is only slightly higher. The required minimum length is not met, leaving the task substantially incomplete. To improve, include a clear overview and select key figures, such as the rise in working and travel, alongside the falls in sleeping and socialising.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

The response has a basic, recognisable structure: an opening sentence introduces the charts, followed by a separate overview statement. This gives the reader a simple progression from topic to a main point. However, there is no developed body paragraph, and the second sentence combines the years and figures in a confusing way (“working (33%) is 1958 and (42%) in 2008”). With so little information, comparisons and relationships between activities are not organised or connected. Build a fuller sequence by introducing the charts, giving an overview, then grouping the main increases and decreases in a body paragraph. Use clear linking phrases such as “by contrast” where they genuinely clarify comparisons.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

You use relevant basic vocabulary, including “percentage,” “working adults,” and “activities,” so the subject is identifiable. The range is very narrow, however, and the response repeats “charts” and “working” without using language to describe the other categories or changes. Some word combinations are inaccurate or awkward: “This two charts” and “the most highest activities” do not express the intended meaning naturally. Use precise chart language such as “the two pie charts,” “accounted for,” “increased,” and “declined.” Naming categories such as “sleeping” and “going out with friends and family” would also allow you to make accurate comparisons rather than relying on a single activity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response attempts two sentence forms, including an introductory sentence and an overview, and the intended topic can still be understood. However, basic grammatical errors are evident in both sentences. “This two charts illustrates” has disagreement between the demonstrative, noun, and verb; it should be “These two charts illustrate.” In the second sentence, “working (33%) is 1958” lacks the correct preposition and a clear sentence structure; write, for example, “Working accounted for 33% in 1958 and 42% in 2008.” The phrase “the most highest” also contains an incorrect superlative construction. Practise accurate simple comparison sentences first, then add varied structures while checking agreement, articles, and prepositions.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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