Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-11

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 about the public library in Little Chalfont, including the age distribution of its members, the proportion of loans by category in 2016, and the total number of loans made between 2007 and 2016.

Overall, adults aged 18–64 accounted for the largest proportion of library members, while fiction books were by far the most frequently borrowed items. In addition, the total number of loans generally increased over the ten-year period despite a slight decline in 2013.

In terms of membership, adults aged 18–64 made up just over half of all library users, at 51%. Children represented the second-largest group, accounting for 22% of members. Young adults aged 13–17 comprised 15%, whereas those aged 65 and above made up the smallest proportion, at 12%.

Regarding borrowing patterns, children's fiction and adult fiction were equally popular, with each category accounting for 38% of all loans. Adult non-fiction ranked third at 13%, while children's non-fiction represented 6%. The remaining categories contributed only small proportions, with young adult books and adult audiobooks each making up 2%, and children's DVDs accounting for the smallest share, at just 1%.

The bar chart shows that the total number of loans rose from approximately 16,000 in 2007 to around 19,000 in 2008 and remained at a similar level in 2009. Borrowing then increased to just over 20,000 in 2010 and peaked at roughly 21,000 in 2011. Although there was a modest fall to about 19,500 in 2013, the figure recovered thereafter, reaching its highest level of approximately 21,500 loans in 2016.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified and reported all the main features of the three charts provided. The overview is clear and effectively synthesises the key trends, such as the dominance of the 18–64 age group and the general upward trend in library loans. You have also made relevant comparisons, such as noting that children's and adult fiction were equally popular at 38% each. The data is accurately selected and presented, providing a comprehensive summary that fully addresses the prompt requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organised, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and separate paragraphs for each data set. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'In terms of', 'Regarding', and 'Although', which help to link the information seamlessly. The paragraphing is logical, and the referencing is clear throughout the text, ensuring that the reader can easily navigate the information provided.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have demonstrated a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. Phrases such as 'age distribution', 'proportion of loans', 'accounted for the largest proportion', and 'modest fall' show a high level of control. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately to describe trends and statistics. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language is sophisticated enough to convey the information clearly and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentences, such as 'Although there was a modest fall to about 19,500 in 2013, the figure recovered thereafter', and maintained consistent control over tense usage. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your writing. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips that might occur in such a text are not present here, reflecting a very high level of grammatical competence.

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