Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-10

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 bar chart illustrates a country exports in various categories between 2015 and 2016, while table illustrates the proportion of changes in each category of exports in 2016 compared with 2015.

Overall, Petroleum products had the highest value than other products, while textile had the lowest figure over the period. In addition, engineered goods had the highest percentage of growth over the period. But agriculture products accounted for lowest growth over the period.

In 2015, petroleum products had 70 $bitcoins, which increased 71$ in 2016.

Engineering goods had 65$ in bitcoin valuation, which increased for 71$ bitcoins. Gems and jewellery accounted for 52$ in 2015, which slightly decreased and 51% approximately in 2016. Agriculture products had 0.81% growth in between 2015 to 2016. Textile industries had highest growth 15.24% in 2016.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified some main features, the analysis is incomplete and lacks sufficient detail. Several figures are reported inaccurately or confusingly, such as the reference to 'bitcoins' instead of the currency provided in the prompt, and the mixing of absolute values with percentages. The overview is present but lacks the depth required for a higher band. To improve, ensure you cover all categories provided in the data and verify the accuracy of the figures you are reporting. The under-length nature of the response prevents a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'over the period' is used four times in the second paragraph). The progression of ideas is clear, but the lack of sufficient content makes the overall flow feel thin. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases to connect your sentences and paragraphs more fluidly, and avoid repeating the same phrases at the end of every sentence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for high-level reporting. The use of 'bitcoins' is a significant error as it misrepresents the data source. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'had' and 'increased'. To improve, incorporate more precise reporting verbs and nouns related to data analysis, such as 'experienced a rise', 'witnessed a decline', or 'remained stable'. Avoid using informal or incorrect terminology when describing units of measurement.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. For example, 'a country exports' should be 'a country's exports', and 'increased 71$' is grammatically awkward. There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases (e.g., 'increased for 71$'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions when describing numerical changes.

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

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