Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-23

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 pie chart illustrates the age distribution of members at Little Chalfont Library in 2016, while the table provides information about the proportion of total loans by category in the same year. The bar chart shows the total number of loans between 2007 and 2016.

Overall, adults aged 18–64 accounted for the largest proportion of library members, whereas adults aged 65 and over represented the smallest group. In terms of loans, children's fiction and adult fiction were equally the most popular categories, while children's DVDs had the lowest proportion. The total number of loans generally increased over the period, despite some fluctuations.

In terms of library membership, adults aged 18–64 made up the largest group, accounting for 51% of all members. Children represented 22%, followed by young adults aged 13–17, at 15%. In contrast, adults aged 65 and over accounted for the smallest proportion, at 12%.

Regarding total loans by category, children's fiction and adult fiction were equally popular, with both accounting for 38% of all loans. Adult non-fiction represented 13%, while children's non-fiction made up 6%. Young adults and adult audio books each accounted for 2%. Children's DVDs had the lowest figure, at just 1%.

With regard to the total number of loans, the figure stood at approximately 16,000 in 2007. It then increased to around 19,000 in 2008 and remained stable in 2009. The number rose further to about 20,500 in 2010 and reached approximately 21,000 in 2011. However, it declined slightly to around 19,500 in 2013 before increasing again to approximately 21,500 in 2016.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by effectively summarising the data from the pie chart, table, and bar chart. An appropriate and clear overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting the main trends and notable comparisons, such as adults aged 18-64 being the largest member group and the overall upward trend in loans. Key features from all three visual stimuli are accurately selected, reported, and compared, such as the equal popularity of children's and adult fiction at 38% and the specific figures for library membership and loans over time. The data is accurately represented without any significant distortions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The text is logically organised with a clear progression from the introduction and overview to specific body paragraphs dedicated to each chart. Cohesive devices are used appropriately and naturally to guide the reader through the data (e.g., 'whereas', 'In terms of', 'In contrast', 'Regarding', 'However'). Paragraphing is managed skilfully, with each paragraph serving a distinct and logical function. Referencing is clear throughout, ensuring that the information flows smoothly from one sentence to the next without causing any confusion.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for an academic task, using precise reporting terms such as 'proportion', 'distribution', 'accounted for', 'represented', and 'fluctuations'. Less common items and collocation are handled reasonably well (e.g., 'age distribution', 'equally popular', 'reached approximately'). While the vocabulary is largely standard rather than exceptionally sophisticated, word choices are accurate and appropriate for the context, allowing the information to be conveyed with clarity and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and participial phrases effectively (e.g., 'while the table provides information about...', 'accounting for 51% of all members'). The majority of sentences are grammatically error-free, and punctuation is handled well. Grammatical control is strong throughout, with only rare, non-systematic slips that do not impede communication in any way.

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