Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-15
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 exports of one country in different categories in the year 2015 and 2016
Overall, it is evident that export earnings is more in the year 2016 as compared to 2015. All products has risen in the year 2016 except gems and jewelry
To begin with, textiles which dramatically surge to 15.24% which is also a highest increase in product category while the second largest earning is from petroleum products which makes a difference of 8.5% in 2016. engineered goods has risen up to 3%. similarly, agricultural products share a small difference with 0.81%. In contrast, gems and Jewelry has declined to 5.18% in the year 2016 and it is also a one product which has declined in the year 2016 as compared to 2015 among all
To sum up, all products has increased significantly except gems and jewelry. Petroleum products and textiles making a major difference among all
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
You have successfully identified the main features of the data, such as the overall increase in exports and the specific decline in gems and jewelry. However, the response lacks a clear presentation of the actual values. You mention percentages but do not clearly distinguish between the export values and the percentage changes provided in the table. To reach a higher band, ensure you clearly differentiate between the two sets of data provided. While you have covered the main trends, the lack of precision in referencing the specific categories and their corresponding figures makes the summary slightly underdeveloped.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use basic cohesive devices like 'To begin with', 'In contrast', and 'To sum up' to signpost your ideas. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical. For instance, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. Additionally, some referencing is slightly unclear, such as when you refer to 'a one product' instead of 'the only product'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they are used more naturally would enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'illustrates', 'dramatically', and 'declined'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'export earnings is more' (should be 'are higher') and 'makes a difference of 8.5%' (which is vague). You also repeat the word 'product' frequently. To improve, try to use more precise synonyms and ensure that your collocations are natural. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning, but it lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher band scores.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
Your writing contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. For example, subject-verb agreement issues are common, such as 'All products has risen' and 'textiles which dramatically surge'. Additionally, there are punctuation and capitalization errors, such as 'gems and Jewelry' and missing full stops. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent verb tense usage will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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