Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-29

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The table gives information about the average hours spent on the Internet by European people of different age groups.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The table shows the average number of hours spent by the male and female European population on the Internet, by different age groups from 11 to more than 51 years.

The most number of hours spent on the Internet by both, the male and female is in 16-20 years of age, with the average of males at 19 hours and females at 18 hours each. Where as the least Internet usage by both genders, is marked by people of ages more than 51.

The males and females in the age group between 26-30, have an equal time spent on the Internet, of only 4 hours each. As compared to the older adults and the young teenagers, we can observe a slight decline in the number of hours of internet usage throughout the table across both genders simultaneously.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student attempts to address the task by summarising the main features of the table, noting the highest internet usage in the 16-20 age group (19 hours for males, 18 hours for females) and the lowest usage in the 51+ category. They also correctly point out the parity between genders in the 26-30 age group (4 hours each). However, the response fails to meet the minimum length requirement, containing only 137 words instead of the required 150 words. Additionally, some comparisons are missing or generalised, and certain key age groups are not fully explored. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed, leading to a band score of 5.5.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay is organised into three paragraphs, providing an introduction and two body paragraphs that attempt to group related information logically. Cohesive devices such as 'Where as' and 'As compared to' are used, although punctuation around them is occasionally faulty. The progression of ideas is generally clear, moving from the highest figures to specific equal points and general trends. However, paragraphing is somewhat basic, and referencing could be smoother. The overall arrangement remains coherent enough to follow without difficulty, matching the criteria for a band 6.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate vocabulary range for the task, successfully employing terms such as 'average number of hours', 'gender', and 'decline'. However, there are awkward word choices and phrasing, most notably 'The most number of hours' instead of 'The highest number of hours', and a punctuation error in 'Where as' (whereas). Less common lexical items are attempted with mixed success. Spelling is accurate throughout the text. These limitations in lexical precision and naturalness place the response firmly at band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The text displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'The table shows the average number of hours spent... by different age groups...'. There are some successful complex structures, but grammatical control is inconsistent. For instance, the sentence 'The most number of hours spent on the Internet by both, the male and female is in 16-20 years of age...' contains awkward phrasing and unnecessary commas. Other structures are relatively straightforward. Errors occur but they do not impede communication, supporting a band 6.0.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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