Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

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

Overall, the most noticeable trend is that households consisting of couples with dependent children declined steadily throughout the period. In contrast, one-person households, childless couples, and lone-parent families became increasingly common, indicating significant changes in family structure over the 36-year period.

In 1971, couples with dependent children accounted for the largest proportion of households, at 52%. However, this figure fell consistently over the years, reaching 47% in 1981, 41% in 1991, 39% in 2001, and finally 36% in 2007. By comparison, couples without children experienced gradual growth, rising from 19% in 1971 to 20% in 1981 and 23% in 1991, before reaching 25% in both 2001 and 2007. Meanwhile, the proportion of couples with non-dependent children remained relatively stable throughout the period, fluctuating only slightly between 9% and 11%.

A similar upward trend can be seen in smaller households. The percentage of people living alone doubled from 6% in 1971 to 12% in 2001 and then remained unchanged in 2007. Likewise, lone-parent households increased considerably, climbing from just 4% in 1971 to 6% in 1981, before reaching 10% in 1991 and 12% by both 2001 and 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by summarizing the main features and providing relevant comparisons across the given time period. The overview clearly highlights the contrasting trends between declining traditional family households and rising smaller or alternative household types. Key data points, such as the drop in couples with dependent children from 52% in 1971 to 36% in 2007 and the rise in one-person households, are accurately reported and well-selected. The information is fully developed without irrelevant details, fulfilling all requirements for Task Achievement at a high standard.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized and presents a clear overall progression. Information is grouped sensibly, beginning with a clear introductory paragraph, followed by a general overview, and then detailed body paragraphs that break down the data effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'By comparison', and 'Meanwhile' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the logical development of ideas throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The candidate demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an academic task. Phrases like 'percentage distribution', 'accounted for the largest proportion', and 'experienced gradual growth' show good control of collocation and academic style. Less common vocabulary items are used accurately to describe trends and changes, such as 'fluctuating only slightly' and 'climbing considerably'. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors, allowing the response to read very smoothly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. The student successfully incorporates subordinate clauses, participial phrases ('rising from 19% in 1971 to 20% in 1981'), and chronological markers without disrupting grammatical cohesion. Minor slips are virtually absent, demonstrating robust command of English grammar.

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