Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-20
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 graph illustrates the data regarding exports in each country with five catergories, namely, Petroleum products, Engineering goods, Gems and jewellery, Agricultural products and textiles in the year 2015 and 2016. While, the table represents the proportion of changes in values for 2016 in comparision of 2015.
Overall, petroluem products are highly rised throughout earnings on time in bar grapgh, as compared to textiles shows the lowest income. Whereas, textiles shows more amount than gems and jewellery.
In the given bar graph, in 2016, petroleum products recorded for the highest income at 65 billions than in 2015 shows lower at 62 billions. Referring to engineering goods accountedfor 57 billions and slightly rose at 63 billions till 2016. Gems and jewellery experiences minor decline for 51 billions and 54 billions in both years. Moreover, the graphs remained similar for 41 billions and 43 billions in agriculture products and 35 billions and 43 billions for textiles.
According to table, the values shows that textiles income have growed upto 15.24%, while petroleum products changed towards 3%
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
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features of the bar graph and the table. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While you mention the highest and lowest categories, the comparison between the two years is occasionally confusing, such as when describing the gems and jewellery figures. The data reporting is generally accurate, but the connection between the bar graph data and the percentage changes in the table is not fully integrated, which limits the depth of the response. To improve, ensure that your overview highlights the most significant trends rather than just listing individual data points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes awkward or repetitive. For example, the transition 'According to table' is missing an article, and the use of 'Whereas' and 'While' at the start of sentences is occasionally grammatically incorrect or poorly placed. The progression of ideas is generally logical, but the flow between the bar graph description and the table data could be smoother. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they are used in the correct context will help elevate the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but there are several instances of word-choice errors and non-standard collocations. For example, 'petroleum products are highly rised' is incorrect; 'increased significantly' would be more appropriate. Similarly, 'recorded for the highest income' and 'growed' (an incorrect past tense of grow) indicate a need for more precise control over word forms and collocations. While you have attempted to use some topic-specific vocabulary, the errors occasionally distract the reader. Focusing on accurate verb forms and common collocations for data description will improve your lexical score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the writing. Issues include incorrect verb tenses (e.g., 'textiles income have growed'), missing articles (e.g., 'According to table'), and awkward phrasing (e.g., 'throughout earnings on time'). Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence structure is often repetitive. To reach a higher band, you should focus on producing more error-free sentences and ensuring that your subject-verb agreement and tense usage are consistent throughout the report.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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