Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-24
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The charts below give information about a public library in a town called Little Chalfont.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 8.5)
The charts provide information regarding the membership demographics, borrowing categories, and overall borrowing trends at the Little Chalfont Library between 2007 and 2016.
Overall, the vast majority of library members in 2016 were adults aged 18 to 64. In terms of borrowing fiction books were by far the most popular item for both children and adults. Additionally, the total number of loans experienced a general upward trend over the ten-year period.
In 2016, over half of the library members belonged to the 18-64 adult age group, accounting for 51%. Children comprised the second largest segment at 22%, followed by young adults aged 13-17 at 15%, while seniors aged 65 and over represented the smallest share at 12%.
Regarding item popularity in 2016, children's fiction and adult fiction tied as the most borrowed categories, each capturing 38% of total loans. Adult non-fiction followed at 13%, and children's non-fiction stood at 6%. The remaining categories - young adult materials, adult audiobooks, and children's DVDs - were significantly less popular, making up a combined total of only 5%.
Looking at the longitudinal data, the total volume of library loans rose steadily just over 15000 in 2007 to a peak of approximately 21000 in 2011. After a slight decline to just under 20000 loans in 2013, borrowing activity recovered and gradually climbed to its highest point of around 21500 loans by 2016.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response effectively covers all parts of the task. You have successfully identified and reported the main features of the library demographics, borrowing categories, and the longitudinal trend. The data is accurately represented, and you have made relevant comparisons, such as noting that adult and children's fiction tied for popularity. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the trends. To reach a higher band, ensure that you consistently highlight the most significant differences or trends rather than listing data points, though your current approach is already quite strong and analytical.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: an introduction, an overview, demographic details, category specifics, and the longitudinal trend. Cohesive devices such as 'In terms of', 'Additionally', 'Regarding', and 'Looking at' are used effectively to guide the reader through the information. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the report. The flow of information is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'membership demographics', 'longitudinal data', and 'borrowing activity' are used accurately. You avoid repetition by using varied terminology to describe the data. While the vocabulary is precise and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items could elevate the response further. Overall, the language is natural and conveys the intended meaning without any errors that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The response exhibits a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('accounting for 51%') and subordinate clauses. The grammar is generally accurate, with only a very minor slip in the final paragraph ('rose steadily just over 15000' should be 'rose steadily from just over 15000'). Punctuation is used correctly to support the structure of your sentences. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over complex forms is consistent throughout the piece.
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