Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-03
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
below shows the value of one country’s exports in various categories during 2015 and 2016. The table shows the percentage change in each category of exports in 2016 compared with 2015.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The given bar graph illustrates the information about the export earnings from 2015 to 2016 and table demonstrates the percentage change in each category values in 2015 and 2016.
Overall, it is clear that the petroleum products and engineered goods were increased over the period, whereas the smallest at textiles. In addition, the textiles sored significantly.
To begin with, the petroleum products occupied 63 billion $ in 2016, while 60 billion $ in 2015. Moreover, the engineered goods accounted for 55 billion $. However, 60 billion $ recorded by 2016. The germs and jewelry stood at 42 billion in 2015. Meanwhile 40 billion in 2016. Agricultural products exceeded 31 billion and 1 billion higher than previous year. The textiles recorded by 27 billion in 2015 and 5 billion higher than last year in 2016.
In 2015 to 2016, the textiles proportion (15.24%) increased rapidly, whereas the engineered goods stood at 8.5%. Furthermore, 3% value changed in the petroleum products. Also, 0.81 proportion grew marginally in the agricultural products. Finally, the gems and jewelry decreased by 5.18%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the data, including both the export values and the percentage changes. However, the presentation of the data is occasionally confusing. For instance, the statement that 'engineered goods accounted for 55 billion. However, 60 billion recorded by 2016' is contradictory and unclear regarding which year the 55 billion refers to. Additionally, the overview is somewhat weak; while it mentions increases, it fails to highlight the most significant trends or the overall contrast between the categories effectively. The data selection is generally relevant, but the lack of clarity in reporting specific figures hinders the overall impact of the summary.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. There is an attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'To begin with', and 'Meanwhile', though some of these are used mechanically or inappropriately. For example, the transition 'In 2015 to 2016' is awkward. The progression of ideas within paragraphs is sometimes disjointed, particularly when moving between the raw values and the percentage changes. While the paragraphing is sufficient, the internal cohesion needs more variety and smoother transitions to achieve a higher band.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks sophistication. There are some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'textiles sored' (likely meant 'soared') and '0.81 proportion grew'. The use of 'germs' instead of 'gems' is a significant spelling error that affects clarity. While the student attempts to use terms like 'proportion' and 'marginally', these are not always used in the correct context. To improve, the student should focus on using more precise terminology for data reporting and ensuring accurate spelling of key categories.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include incorrect verb forms ('were increased' instead of 'increased'), missing articles, and awkward phrasing ('the smallest at textiles'). Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence structure is often repetitive or grammatically incomplete, such as 'Meanwhile 40 billion in 2016'. These errors do not completely impede communication, but they are noticeable throughout the text and demonstrate a lack of control over complex structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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