Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-12
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 8.0)
The charts provide information about a 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 between 2007 and 2016.
Overall, adults aged 18–64 accounted for the largest proportion of library members in 2016. In terms of loans, children’s and adult fiction were equally the most popular categories. Furthermore, the total number of loans increased considerably over the period, despite some fluctuations.
In 2016, adults aged 18–64 made up 51% of all library members, making them by far the largest group. Children represented 22%, while young adults aged 13–17 accounted for 15%. The smallest proportion was made up of people aged 65 and over, at 12%.
Looking at the types of books and other materials borrowed in 2016, children’s fiction and adult fiction were equally popular, each accounting for 38% of total loans. Adult non-fiction was the next most commonly borrowed category, at 13%, followed by children’s non-fiction at 6%. The remaining categories were relatively unpopular, with children’s DVDs, children’s audio and adult audio books accounting for only 1%, 2% and 2%, respectively.
The bar chart shows that the total number of loans rose from approximately 15,500 in 2007 to 19,000 in 2008, and then remained relatively stable until 2009. It increased to just over 20,000 in 2010 and reached around 21,000 in 2011. After a slight decline in 2012 and 2013, the figure rose again, reaching approximately 21,500 in 2016, which was the highest point shown.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response is excellent and fully addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main features of the three charts, including the age distribution, the proportion of loans by category, and the trend over time. The comparisons are clear, such as noting that children’s and adult fiction were equally popular at 38% each. You have also effectively highlighted the key trends in the bar chart, noting the rise from 2007 to 2016 and the fluctuations in between. The overview is concise and provides a clear summary of the main trends, which is essential for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific chart, which makes the information easy to follow. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In terms of', 'Furthermore', 'Looking at', and 'The remaining categories'. The paragraphing is logical, and the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is smooth. The information is presented in a way that allows the reader to understand the data without any confusion.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'accounted for the largest proportion', 'remained relatively stable', and 'slight decline' demonstrate a good command of language. The use of 'respectively' to handle the smaller categories is a precise and sophisticated touch. The vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, allowing for a natural and fluent reading experience. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have used complex sentences effectively, such as 'The bar chart shows that the total number of loans rose from approximately 15,500 in 2007 to 19,000 in 2008, and then remained relatively stable until 2009.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no noticeable grammatical errors. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, and the writing is error-free for the most part.
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