Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-17
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 8.0)
The bar chart illustrates the value of a country's exports in five different categories in 2015 and 2016, while the table shows the percentage change in export values over the same period.
Overall, export earnings from petroleum products and engineered goods increased in 2016. Textiles experienced the largest percentage growth, whereas gems and jewellery were the only category to decline Petroleum products remained the highest-earning export in both years.
Petroleum products remained the dominant export, with earnings rising slightly by 3% from roughly $61 billion in 2015 to around $63 billion in 2016. Engineered goods followed a similar upward trajectory, recording an 8.5% increase as value grew from about $58 billion to approximately $62 billion. Agricultural products showed a marginal rise of 0.81%, maintaining a steady value of just over $30 billion in both years.
Conversely, export values for gems and jewellery dropped by 5.18% falling from approximately $42 billion down to $40 billion in 2016. On the other hand, the textile industry recorded the most significant relative growth, expanding by 15.24%. This surge drove textile export earnings up from $25 billion in 2015 to roughly $31 billion by the end of 2016, matching the value of agricultural exports.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response is excellent and fully addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the dominance of petroleum products and the significant growth in textiles. The data is accurately reported, and the comparisons between 2015 and 2016 are clear and relevant. You have integrated the information from both the bar chart and the table seamlessly, ensuring that the overview provides a concise summary of the trends. There are no omissions, and the information is well-supported by the figures provided in the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an overview to specific details. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'conversely', 'on the other hand', and 'whereas', which help to guide the reader through the comparisons. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow of information is smooth, and the structure of the report is professional and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You have demonstrated a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'upward trajectory', 'marginal rise', 'significant relative growth', and 'dominant export' show a high level of lexical control. The use of terminology is accurate, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. You have successfully avoided repetition by using varied synonyms to describe trends and changes in the data, which contributes to the sophisticated tone of the writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have used complex sentences effectively, such as 'Petroleum products remained the dominant export, with earnings rising slightly by 3%...', which demonstrates good control over participial phrases and subordinate clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the control over tense usage (past tense for 2015/2016 data) is consistent and correct throughout the report.
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