Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-29
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 5.5)
The following chart provides us information about the age of library members, the types of books borrowed in 2016, and the total number of loans at Little Chalfont library between 2017 and 2015.
Overall, adults aged 18-64 made up the largest proportion of library members. Fiction was the most popular type of loan for both children and adults. Furthermore, the total number of loans generally increased from around 16,000 in 2007 to approximately 22,000 in 2016.
From the chart, we can see that the adults aged 18-64 accounted for the largest proportion of library members at 51%. Then for the children, covering almost 22% and finally, the lowest percentage is of adults aged 65 or above accounting for only 12%.
However, the category of loan that was popular and highly preferred by children and adults was fiction for 38% and for non-fiction, it accounted for smaller share like 6% and 13%. Then, for the young adults aged between 13-17 ranging less than 2%.
Finally, if we see the bar chart, we come to know that besides fluctuations between the years 2007 and 2016, the total number of loans increased till 2016.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all three charts provided, identifying key features such as the age demographics, the popularity of fiction, and the upward trend in loans. However, the reporting of data is occasionally imprecise or confusing. For instance, the mention of 'young adults aged between 13-17 ranging less than 2%' is unclear and does not accurately reflect the data provided in the charts. Furthermore, the comparison between categories could be more analytical; rather than just listing percentages, you should focus on highlighting the most significant differences and trends to better satisfy the requirement for a clear overview and detailed reporting.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices like 'Overall', 'Furthermore', and 'However' to link ideas. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the transition between the data points in the third and fourth paragraphs feels disjointed. The use of referencing is occasionally weak, such as in the phrase 'Then for the children', which lacks a clear grammatical connection to the preceding sentence. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between data sets would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the charts with basic accuracy. You use terms like 'proportion', 'fluctuations', and 'accounted for' correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'the lowest percentage is of adults', which could be expressed more naturally. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more precise vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'a significant majority', 'a marginal share', or 'a steady upward trajectory', rather than relying on repetitive structures.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'the lowest percentage is of adults' (should be 'the lowest percentage is that of adults') and 'the category of loan that was popular... was fiction for 38%' (which is slightly awkward). Punctuation is generally functional, but some sentences are clunky. To improve, focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and refining the structure of your comparative sentences to avoid ambiguity. The errors present do not impede communication, but they do limit the score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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