Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-11

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 6.0)

The bar graph and table illustrate the value of a country's exports in various categories from 2015 to 2016 and the change in the proportion in each category of exports in 2016 compared with 2015.

Overall, petroleum products recorded the highest export earnings, while textiles were the least exported category in both years. Agricultural products experienced the least growth, whereas textiles grew by the highest percentage among the categories over the period.

Regarding petroleum products, a value of nearly 61 billion was exported in 2015 and experienced 3 percent growth in 2016. Engineering goods were around 65 billion before dramatic growth of 8.5 percent in 2016. Although other categories gradually increased over the period, gems and jewelry drastically declined in 2016 with exporting earnings of worth around 50 billion.

Agricultural products accounted for earnings of around 41 billion in 2015, just slightly increasing by 0.81 percent in 2016. Textiles experienced the highest percentage of growth, which is 15.24 percent in 2016 .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task by summarizing the main features of both the bar graph and the table. You successfully identified the highest and lowest categories and highlighted key trends, such as the growth in textiles and the decline in gems and jewelry. However, there is a factual error in your analysis: you stated that petroleum products were 61 billion in 2015, whereas the data shows engineering goods were the highest at 65 billion. Additionally, the comparison of 'gems and jewelry' is slightly confusing as you mention a decline but do not clearly contrast it with the 2015 starting point. More precise data referencing would elevate the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally smooth, and you use cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'Although', and 'whereas' to link information. However, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be more seamless. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow. To reach a higher band, ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus and that referencing (e.g., 'the period') is consistently precise.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'recorded the highest export earnings', 'dramatic growth', and 'drastically declined' are effective and appropriate for an academic report. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'exporting earnings of worth', which is slightly redundant. While you use some less common items, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated collocations related to data analysis to demonstrate greater precision and flexibility in your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are clear and error-free, though there are some minor slips, such as 'which is 15.24 percent' (should be 'which was') and the awkward phrasing 'exporting earnings of worth'. Punctuation is generally accurate, although there is an unnecessary space before the period in the final sentence. The grammatical control is good, and the errors present do not impede communication, but a wider variety of complex structures would be beneficial for a higher band.

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