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.

In conclusion, the data clearly suggest that traditional family households with dependent children became less common over time, while smaller and more diverse household arrangements grew in popularity across Great Britain.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by selecting and reporting the main features from the table while making relevant and accurate comparisons. An effective overview is provided right at the beginning, noting the general decline in households with dependent children alongside the rise in smaller or alternative household types. Key figures from multiple years (1971, 1981, 1991, 2001, and 2007) are appropriately cited and well integrated to support the analysis. The information is fully accurate according to the provided data, and no irrelevant details are included. This performance fully meets the criteria for Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Each paragraph has a distinct and appropriate focus: an introduction, an overview, body paragraphs detailing the specific data categories, and a concise concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast,' 'By comparison,' 'Meanwhile,' and 'A similar upward trend' are used effectively and naturally to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is handled skillfully, ensuring that related ideas are grouped together logically. There is no evidence of mechanical referencing or faulty cohesion, making this a strong Band 8 performance.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suited to an academic report on statistical data. Phrases such as 'percentage distribution,' 'steady decline,' 'gradual growth,' and 'proportion of households' show precision and natural word choice. Less common lexical items and collocation patterns are used successfully (e.g., 'remaining unchanged,' 'climbing from just'). While there are no major lexical errors, the vocabulary remains just slightly short of the sophisticated, highly natural control required for a Band 8. Therefore, a solid Band 7 is awarded for appropriate and flexible lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures, including participial phrases ('indicating significant changes in family structure') and subordinate clauses ('while smaller and more diverse household arrangements grew in popularity'). The majority of sentences are entirely error-free, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control and punctuation accuracy. Minor lapses are virtually non-existent, and the grammar never impedes communication. This level of structural variety and accuracy comfortably satisfies the Band 8 descriptors.

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