Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-10-12

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 5.5)

The table illustrates changes in few households types in The great Britain during a peroid of 1971 to 2007

overall, couples with dependent childer accounted for the largest proportion throughout the period ,although their percentage declined considerably.in constract,the proportion of people living alone,couples without childern and lone-parent households increased.

In 1971, coupless with dependent children represented 52%of household,making this the most comman household type.however,this figure decreased steadily to 47% in 181 and 41% in 1991 ,before falling further to 36%iin 2007.by comparision,the proportion of couples without childrens rose from 19%in 1971to 25%in 2001,where it remained in 2007.

The percentage of people living alone doubled from 6% to 12% between 1971 and 2001, and it remained unchanged in the final year.Meanwhile,households children fluctuated slightly,reaching to 9% in 2007

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main pattern accurately: households with dependent children were the largest category and declined, while living alone and couples without children increased. Several figures are also reported correctly, including 52% in 1971, 36% in 2007, and the rise to 25% for couples without children. However, the account is incomplete: the lone-parent category is mentioned only in the overview, and the final sentence about households with non-dependent children is unclear and omits the earlier values. There is also a date error: “181” should be 1981. The response is 23 words below the required minimum, which limits the detail available. Develop the omitted categories and check every figure and date against the table.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, an overview and paragraphs describing selected figures. The overview gives the reader a useful guide to the main trends, and phrases such as “by comparison” and “meanwhile” attempt to connect information. However, progression is weakened by the abrupt, unclear final sentence (“Meanwhile, households children fluctuated slightly”), which does not clearly identify the category or explain its trend. Some transitions are also mechanically attached to sentences, and punctuation spacing makes the sequence harder to follow. Group the categories more systematically—for example, declining versus increasing types—and use clear references such as “the proportion of non-dependent children” to maintain continuity.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant task vocabulary, including “proportion,” “accounted for,” “declined considerably” and “remained unchanged,” which helps describe the data. However, the range is limited and several spelling errors make the writing less clear, including “pero id,” “childer,” “constract” and “comman.” Some expressions are also imprecise or unnatural, particularly “changes in few households types” and “households children.” Use the table’s category labels consistently and choose accurate collocations for describing percentages. Proofreading spelling and word forms would make your meaning easier to follow and help the vocabulary sound more controlled.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple statements and more complex sentences, including a contrast with “although” and a sequence using “before falling further.” These structures show some range, but errors in sentence boundaries, articles, plurals and punctuation are frequent enough to affect clarity. For example, “The table illustrates changes in few households types” needs an article and a more accurate plural structure, while “52%of household” has missing spacing and an incorrect singular form. The sentence beginning “Meanwhile” lacks a clear grammatical construction for its category. Use complete, carefully punctuated sentences, check singular and plural forms, and ensure each comparison has a clear subject and verb.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.