Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-09-13

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The table below shows the change in some household types in Great Britain from 1971 to 2007.

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

PEOPLE IN HOUSEHOLDS BY TYPE OF HOUSEHOLD AND FAMILY

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The table illustrates the percentage distribution of people living in different household and family types in Great Britain, spanning from 1971 to 2007.

Overall, a noticeable trend is that households comprising couples with dependent children declined steadily throughout the period. In contrast, the percentage of one-person households, couples without children, and lone- parent families increased, indicating a significant change in family structure over the 36-year period.

In 1971, couples with dependent children accounted for largest proportion of households, at 52%. However, this figure fell consistently, reaching 47% in 1981, 41% in 1991, 39% in 2001, and finally 36% in 2007. In contrast, couples with no children experienced a gradual increase in the percentage, from 19% in 1971 to 20% in 1981 and 23% in 1991, before reaching 25% in 2001 and remained same after that. Meanwhile, the proportion of couples with non-dependent children witnessed slight fluctuations between 9% and 11%.

Similarly, the percentage of one-person households

doubled from 6% in 1971 to 12% in 2001, which remain unchanged in 2007. Likewise, lone-person households figure surged from 6% in 1971 to 10% in 1991, before reaching 12% in both years, 2001 and 2007

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all the main features of the table, presenting an overview of the key trends from 1971 to 2007. The response highlights the decline in households with dependent children and the rise in one-person households and couples without children. Key data points are selected and reported accurately, such as the drop in couples with dependent children from 52% in 1971 to 36% in 2007, and appropriate comparisons are made throughout the text. The content is fully developed and well-structured, satisfying all the requirements of Task Achievement at a Band 7.0 level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised, beginning with a clear introductory statement and a well-defined overview. Information is sequenced logically across paragraphs, distinguishing between declining household types and increasing ones. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'Similarly' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively, contributing to a clear progression of ideas throughout the text, matching the requirements for Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to handle the task flexibly and precisely. Appropriate lexical items related to data reporting are employed, such as 'percentage distribution', 'accounted for', 'surged', and 'fluctuations'. While there is some minor awkwardness in phrasing, such as 'lone-person households figure' instead of 'lone-parent families', the range is adequate for conveying precise trends and comparisons. The vocabulary supports clear communication and earns a solid Band 6.5 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and introductory phrases effectively. There are several instances of accurate complex structures, such as 'while the proportion of couples with non-dependent children witnessed slight fluctuations'. However, minor grammatical inaccuracies occur, including tense inconsistency and slight phrasing errors, such as 'which remain unchanged in 2007' (instead of remained) and the incomplete final sentence. These errors do not impede communication, placing the response firmly at Band 6.5.

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