Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-09-14

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 6.0)

The table illustrates changes in the percentage of individuals living in different types of households and families over a multi-year period.

Overall, the data reveals a clear shift away from traditional large family structures toward smaller, independent living arrangements. Single-person households experienced the most noticeable growth, while households consisting of couples with children saw a steady decline.

Looking first at independent living, the proportion of people living alone rose significantly during the period. Similarly, households made up of couples without any children also showed a gradual upward trend. These two categories combined make up a much larger share of the total population by the end of the timeframe than they did at the beginning.

In stark contrast, traditional family arrangements became less common. The percentage of individuals residing in households with couples and children dropped consistently. Despite this drop, it remained one of the largest overall categories. Meanwhile, the figures for single-parent families and other complex household structures stayed relatively low and stable, showing only minor fluctuations throughout the years.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student provides a good overview of the main trends shown in the table, noting the shift from traditional family structures to independent living arrangements. The response successfully highlights key features, such as the growth in single-person households and the decline in couples with children. However, Task 1 responses at Band 7 and above typically require the inclusion of specific data points (numbers, percentages, or years) to support the general trends described. Phrases like rose significantly and steady decline are used, but they lack the numerical backing expected for higher bands. The response covers all parts well conceptually, but the omission of specific data limits the level of detail and support, aligning it closely with the Band 6 descriptor for addressing all parts though some more fully than others due to the absence of data selection.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph, moves to an overall summary statement, and then logically groups details into paragraphs focusing on independent living and traditional family arrangements respectively. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, with phrases like Looking first at, In stark contrast, and Despite this drop guiding the reader smoothly through the text. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas and categories. Referencing is generally clear throughout, meaning the text is easy to follow from start to finish, fulfilling the requirements for a solid coherence score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Phrases such as independent living arrangements, traditional family structures, and complex household structures show a good command of topic-related terminology. There are also attempts at less common vocabulary like fluctuating and proportion. While the vocabulary is generally natural and allows the message to be communicated clearly, there are few truly sophisticated or uncommon lexical items deployed flexibly, which keeps it at a competent level. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, ensuring that communication is never hindered by lexical limitations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including subordinate clauses such as while households consisting of couples with children saw a steady decline and Although this drop remained. Grammatical control is generally strong, with the majority of sentences being well-formed and error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and structure the text. While the range of complex structures is somewhat standard rather than particularly wide or ambitious, the overall accuracy is high, with no noticeable errors impeding communication.

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

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