Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-08

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 8.5)

The bar graph and table illustrate the value of a country's exports across five product categories in 2015 and 2016, along with the percentage change between the two years.

Overall, exports grew across nearly every category, with textiles recording the sharpest rise, while gems and jewellery was the only category to decline.

In 2015, petroleum products generated the highest export earnings, at $70 billion, followed by engineered goods at $67 billion and gems and jewellery at $53 billion. Agricultural products and textiles trailed behind, at $41 billion and $36 billion respectively, making textiles the smallest contributor that year.

By 2016, petroleum products remained the leading category, rising to $73 billion, a modest 3% increase. Engineered goods saw stronger growth, climbing to $71 billion, up 8.5% from the previous year. Gems and jewellery, however, moved in the opposite direction, falling by 5.18% to $49 billion — the only category to contract over the period. Agricultural products edged up slightly, by 0.81%, to reach $42 billion, while textiles recorded the most significant growth of all categories, rising by 15.24% to $43 billion, overtaking agricultural products in the process.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent and fully addresses all requirements of the task. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the overall growth trend and the specific decline in the gems and jewellery sector. The data is accurately reported, and the comparisons between categories and years are well-integrated. By highlighting the shift in ranking between textiles and agricultural products, you have demonstrated a high level of analytical skill. The overview is clear and provides a concise summary of the trends, which is essential for a high band score. No information is missing, and the response is well-focused throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose: the introduction sets the context, the overview summarizes the main trends, and the body paragraphs provide detailed supporting data. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'however', 'in the process', and 'followed by' are used naturally and effectively to link information. The paragraphing is logical, and the transition between the general overview and the specific data points is seamless. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, making the text very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'generated the highest export earnings', 'trailed behind', 'moved in the opposite direction', and 'overtaking... in the process' demonstrate a sophisticated command of language. The terminology is appropriate for an academic report, and there are no errors in word choice or collocation. You have successfully avoided repetition by using varied verbs and descriptors to explain the changes in the data, which contributes to the fluency and professional tone of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types, used with high accuracy. Punctuation is handled correctly, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of participial phrases (e.g., 'rising to $73 billion') and comparative structures is handled with full flexibility. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text. The writing is polished and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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.