Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-28
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 multiple activities at one social centre in Melbourne, Australia between 2000 and 2020.
Overall, the number of participants in table tennis and musical performance increased steadily, while the number of participants in film club, martial arts and amateur dramatics decreased dramatically over the period.
In 2000, the number of participants in table tennis started from about 17 in 2000 to approximately 55 in 2020. Moreover, there was no change from 2000 to 2005, but the number of participants in musical performance increased steadily over one and a half decades from 0 in 2005 to about 18 in 2020. Furthermore, there were fluctuations in martial arts over the two decades from approximately 37 in 2000 to 38 in 2020.
In contrast, the number of participants in the film club decreased from approximately 65 in 2000 to 60 in 2010. After 2010, it increased steadily from approximately 60 to 69 in 2020. Furthermore, the number of participants in amateur dramatics gradually increased over half a decade from about 27 in 2000 to approximately 29 in 2005, and dramatically decreased over one and a half decades from about 29 in 2005 to approximately 8 in 2020.
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 student covers all parts of the prompt, providing an overview and selecting key features and comparisons from the line graph. However, there are a few inaccuracies in trend categorization and data reporting. For instance, the overview incorrectly states that the number of participants in the film club 'decreased dramatically over the period,' whereas the graph shows it finishing higher in 2020 (at 66) than in 2000 (at 64), after a dip. Additionally, the description of table tennis states that it 'started from about 17 in 2000 to approximately 55 in 2020,' which is slightly awkward phrasing, though the data points are generally accurate. The student successfully highlights the major trends, such as the rise in table tennis and musical performances and the decline in amateur dramatics, fulfilling the core requirements of Task 1.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The response has a clear overall progression and is logically arranged into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs covering different groups of activities. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall,' 'In 2000,' 'Moreover,' and 'In contrast' are used to connect ideas, although some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the contrasting trends. Referencing is generally clear, though occasional clumsy sentence structures weaken the flow between sentences. Overall, the essay is easy to follow and meets the requirements for a Band 6.5 or solid Band 6 in Coherence and Cohesion.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing graphical data, including terms such as 'illustrates,' 'steadily,' 'decreased dramatically,' and 'fluctuations.' However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and categorisation, such as stating the film club decreased dramatically overall when it actually experienced a net increase by 2020. Less common lexical items are attempted ('approximately,' 'fluctuations'), but the range remains somewhat limited rather than wide or flexible. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and time markers effectively (e.g., 'The line graph illustrates the number of participants for multiple activities...'). There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasing choices, such as 'started from about 17 in 2000 to approximately 55 in 2020' (mixing start points and end points incorrectly with 'from... to') and minor preposition or tense inconsistencies. Despite these errors, the sentences are generally understandable and communication is not impeded, placing the essay comfortably in the Band 6 category.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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