Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-07-27

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The graphs below show the percentage of people holding full driving licences in Great Britain by age and sex.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Full car driving licence holders: by sex and age

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The bar charts compare the percentages of men and women in different age groups in Great Britain who held full driving licences in 1975/76 and 2006.

Overall, men were more likely than women to possess a full driving licence in both years. However, the proportion of female licence holders increased considerably across all age groups, while the figures for men remained relatively stable with only minor changes.

Among men, licence ownership was already high in 1975/76, particularly in the middle-aged groups. The highest percentages were recorded among those aged 30–49, at around 90%, and these figures remained almost unchanged in 2006. In contrast, the youngest group (17–20) and the oldest group (70 and over) had noticeably lower proportions, although both experienced slight increases over the period.

For women, the upward trend was much more significant. In 1975/76, relatively few women, especially those aged 60 and above, held full driving licences. By 2006, however, the percentages had risen substantially in every age group. Women aged 30–59 recorded the highest figures, reaching around 70–80%, while even the oldest age group showed a marked increase. As a result, the gap between male and female licence holders became much narrower by 2006.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the overall higher ownership among men and the significant growth in female licence holders. The comparisons between the two years and between genders are clear and well-supported by data points from the charts. The overview is concise and effectively highlights the key trends, providing a clear summary of the information presented. No information is missing, and the data is used accurately to illustrate the points made.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overall trend, the male data, and the female data. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'However', and 'As a result' are used effectively to link ideas and guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the information flows smoothly from one point to the next. The structure is coherent and professional, making the report very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information precisely. Phrases like 'remained relatively stable', 'upward trend', and 'marked increase' demonstrate a good command of academic language. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for a report of this nature. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is varied enough to avoid repetition while maintaining clarity throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing displays a good range of complex structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('while the figures for men remained...') and comparative structures. The grammar is accurate, with only rare minor slips, and punctuation is handled correctly. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over tense usage (past for 1975/76 and 2006) is consistent and correct. The level of grammatical control is high and supports the clear communication of the data.

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