Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-21

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 illustrates the proportion of a nation's export in 5 different categories between 2015 and 2016. The table provides inforamtion on the export changes in each category. The unit of meaurement used is in billions of dollars.

Overall, the highest recorded product is Petroleum, which makes it the most dominant export produce. Agricultural products had been considered to earn a stable income. In contrast, textiles had the least earnings before recording a significant development in the following year.

Firstly, petroleum goods had been the go to product for two consecutive years as it was accounted for 70 billion exports before adding an extra 5 billion or 3% in 2016. Similarly, engineered goods and agricultural products increased to 8.5% and 0.81% respectively.

Gems and jewellery started strong as it had an earning of about 51 billion before decreasing at a rate of 5.18% in its second year. However, textiles showed an abrupt increase on its sales as it skyrocketed to 15.24% after being the least bought product in 2015.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the data, including the dominant export (Petroleum) and the significant growth in textiles. You have also made relevant comparisons between the two years. However, the response lacks precision in reporting the data. For instance, you mention petroleum increased by '3%', but the table shows a 3% increase for engineered goods, while petroleum actually increased by 7.14%. Additionally, you describe gems and jewellery as 'decreasing at a rate of 5.18%', but the table indicates a 5.18% increase. Accuracy in data interpretation is crucial for Task 1. Ensure you double-check your figures against the provided table to avoid misrepresenting the information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Similarly', and 'However' to guide the reader. However, the progression of ideas is occasionally hindered by minor errors in referencing and logical flow. For example, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. The use of paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is clear, but the mechanical nature of some transitions prevents a higher score. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they are used to connect ideas more naturally would enhance the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'dominant', 'consecutive', and 'skyrocketed'. There are some minor spelling errors, such as 'inforamtion' and 'meaurement', which are distracting. While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, some word choices are slightly imprecise or unnatural, such as 'go to product' and 'least bought product'. To achieve a higher band, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure that your spelling is accurate. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and nouns related to data trends will also help you express your ideas with greater sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'it was accounted for 70 billion' (should be 'it accounted for') and 'abrupt increase on its sales' (should be 'in its sales'). Additionally, the use of tenses is occasionally inconsistent, such as 'had been considered' and 'had been the go to product'. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive versus active voice will significantly improve your grammatical accuracy.

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

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