Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-18
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The graph below gives information on the numbers of participants for different activities at one social centre in Melbourne, Australia for the period 2000 to 2020.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The line graph illustrates the number of participants for different activities(Film club, Martial arts, Amateur dramatics, Table tennis, Musical performances) at a particular centre in Melbourne, Australia between 2000 and 2020.
Overall, it can be clearly seen that Musical performances increased over the period. Table tennis rose slightly till 2010 and after it grew significantly during the period. In contrast, Amateur dramatics surged till 2005 after surging it declined considerably. Martial arts experienced some fluctuations.
Musical performances experienced substantial growth rising from 0% in 2005 to almost 15% by the end of the period while Amateur dramatics witnessed a slight increase till 2005 by approximately 27% and after it dropped gradually over the period.
Table tennis surged gradually rising from just 16% in 2000 to 20% till 2010 and after it witnessed a sharp rise by approximately 51% over the period. Martial arts fluctuated considerably over the period starting from almost 35% in 2000 to 36% in 2020. Film club topped the chart with approximately 65% and was considerably higher than all the other activities which started with almost 65% and ends with a 66% over the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying main features and trends. However, there are significant inaccuracies in the data reporting. For example, you state that Musical performances started at 0% in 2005, but the graph shows it starting at 0% in 2000. Additionally, the description of the Film club is confusing; you mention it 'topped the chart' at 65% and then repeat the same figure, which lacks analytical depth. While you have selected key features, the precision of the data interpretation needs improvement to reach a higher band. Ensure that the figures cited match the visual data accurately to provide a reliable summary.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally clear, and you use some cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'while', and 'overall'. However, some transitions are mechanical or slightly repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'over the period'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different trends. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the connection between sentences is smoother, particularly when transitioning between different activities in the same paragraph.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuations', 'surged', 'considerably', and 'witnessed'. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'after surging it declined' (which is slightly awkward) and 'ends with a 66%'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing when describing trends.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'after it grew significantly' (missing subject or awkward phrasing) and 'after it dropped gradually'. There are also minor punctuation issues. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and refining the structure of your complex sentences to improve overall accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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