Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-23

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 chart below illustrates the foreign sales in multiple catagories in 2015 and 2016. The table represents the comparison of proportion variation in catagories of international trade between both years.

Overall, the sales increased in petroleum products, engineering goods, agricultural products and textile and experienced a slightly decline in gems and jewellery. While, the highest group of sales in both years is petroleum products.

To begin with, Petroleum products leads the overall exports industry in both years with more than $60 billions, increased 3% in 2016. The engineering goods grew 8.5% up in 2016 along with the 0.81% increase in agricultural products.

Moreover, The percentage of textiles has the highest raise 15.24%. In contrast, gems and jewellery declined 5.81%.

To conclude, all the segments experienced change, more catagories increased but gems and jewellery decreased slightly. In 2016, the foriegn trading increased and become more advantageous and beneficial than the 2015.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the data, including the highest category and the general trends. However, the response lacks sufficient detail in the body paragraphs. For instance, you mention the percentage changes but fail to provide the actual export values for most categories, which are essential for a complete summary. Additionally, the conclusion includes subjective analysis ('more advantageous and beneficial'), which is not supported by the data and should be avoided in Task 1. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview of the data points provided in the table and chart, maintaining an objective tone throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'To begin with', and 'In contrast' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally mechanical, and some transitions are slightly awkward, such as 'While, the highest group of sales...'. The referencing is generally clear, but the logical progression within the body paragraphs could be smoother. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the relationship between sentences is more fluid and less reliant on simple list-like structures.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion variation', 'segments', and 'exports industry'. However, there are several spelling errors, such as 'catagories' (repeated), 'foriegn', and 'slightly decline' (should be 'slight decline'). These errors are noticeable but do not prevent the reader from understanding your message. To improve, focus on accuracy in spelling and word formation. Additionally, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to data description, such as 'witnessed a marginal increase' or 'experienced a significant downturn' to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that detract from the quality of the writing. Examples include 'experienced a slightly decline' (adverb/adjective confusion), 'Petroleum products leads' (subject-verb agreement), and 'the highest raise' (incorrect word choice). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to limit your score. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of adjectives and adverbs. Proofreading your work for basic grammatical slips before finishing will help you achieve a higher band.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.