Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-10-17

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 people living in various household types in Great Britain over 36 year period from 1971 to 2007. Overall, the most significant changes were the steady increase in one person households and lone-parent families, alongside a notable decline in couple with dependent children.

KEY FEATURES AND TRENDS

1) One person household:

Started at 6% in 1971 and doubled to 12% by 2001, remaining stable at 12% in 2007.

2) One-family household:

Saw a modest rise from 19% in 1971 to 25% in 2001 and 2007.

3) Couples with dependent children:

Represented the largest group throughout the period, starting 52% in 2001 and 2007.

Experienced a steady and substantial decrease, falling to 36% by 2007.

4) Couples with non dependent children:

Remained relatively stable overall, hovering between 9% and 11% across the entire timeframe.

5) Lone parents households:

Tripled over the period, rising from 4% in 1971 to 12% in 2001 and 2007.

The above comparison helps in understading different composition of families across the time period of 1971 to 2007 and shows different choices made by generation across different time frames.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the main overall pattern accurately: one-person and lone-parent households increased, while couples with dependent children declined and remained the largest category. Several figures are also reported correctly, including the rise in lone-parent households from 4% to 12% and the fall in dependent-child couples to 36%. However, there is a significant factual error: the dependent-child group began at 52% in 1971, not “starting 52% in 2001 and 2007.” The description of the no-children couple category is also imprecise, since it rose from 19% to 25% rather than simply being a general household increase. The final claim about generational choices is not supported by the table. More precise reporting and a fuller overview of the categories would strengthen the response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an opening overview followed by category-by-category reporting, so the reader can follow the main topics. However, the numbered list and the heading “KEY FEATURES AND TRENDS” make the report feel like notes rather than a connected summary. The progression between categories is clear, but links between ideas are limited, and the final sentence about “different choices made by generation” introduces an unsupported conclusion instead of bringing the data together. Use conventional paragraphs and connect comparisons—for example, contrast the rise in one-person households with the decline in dependent-child couples. This would create a more continuous account while retaining the useful overall-to-detail organisation.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use a suitable range of vocabulary for describing data, including “steady increase,” “notable decline,” “modest rise,” “remained relatively stable,” and “tripled.” These choices help communicate trends efficiently and show some flexibility beyond basic terms such as “went up” or “went down.” There are, however, a few awkward or imprecise expressions: “couple with dependent children” needs a plural form, and “different choices made by generation” is not a natural or well-supported description of the figures. “One-family household” is also too broad when you mean the specific no-children couple category. Aim for precise category labels and natural collocations so that the vocabulary remains accurate as well as varied.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response includes a mix of sentence forms, including a complex opening sentence and concise trend statements such as “Experienced a steady and substantial decrease.” Most of the meaning is clear, but some grammatical errors remain. In “over 36 year period,” the article and plural form are missing; “starting 52% in 2001 and 2007” is an incomplete and confusing construction; and “Lone parents households” has incorrect number agreement. The list also contains sentence fragments, such as “Saw a modest rise” and “Experienced a steady… decrease,” because these lack an explicit subject. Write complete sentences with clear subjects, and check articles, plurals, and verb forms. This will make the data descriptions more controlled without sacrificing variety.

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