Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-24

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)

This table displays the values of a country's export and the percentage change in different categories during the years 2015 and 2016. It showcases the data of the exports in a tabular bar chart with approximate categories and numbers.

Here, we can see that the highest export earnings were in the petroleum products category, while the lowest earnings were in the textiles category.

According to the timeline given to us, the earnings had increased in 2016 in all categories except for gems and jewellry, where the earnings had decreased in 2016.

As we go through the categories, we see that the export earnings in 2016 for petroleum products was highest throughout the chart, with almost $70 billion. A close second are the earnings for engineered goods in 2016.

The percentage change value for textiles increased by 15.24%, which is the highest,

while the lowest change was in the agricultural products category, at an increase of 0.81%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the data, such as the highest and lowest export values and the general trend of increases. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you mention the highest and lowest categories, you fail to provide a comprehensive overview of the data points. For instance, you mention petroleum products and engineered goods but omit specific figures for other categories, which are necessary for a complete summary. The report lacks a clear, analytical structure that groups the data effectively. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide a more detailed comparison of the figures rather than just listing a few highlights.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised into short paragraphs, which helps readability. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. You rely on simple transition phrases like 'Here, we can see' and 'As we go through the categories,' which feel repetitive. There is a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices to link the sentences and ideas more fluidly. Paragraphing is present but could be more effectively used to separate the overview from the specific data points. Improving the use of referencing and logical connectors would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'export earnings,' 'tabular bar chart,' and 'percentage change.' However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. There are minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'tabular bar chart,' which is a contradictory term. To improve, try to incorporate more precise vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'fluctuated,' 'remained stable,' or 'witnessed a significant surge.' The current vocabulary is functional but lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher band scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. For example, 'the export earnings... was highest' should be 'were highest' to agree with the plural subject. Additionally, 'gems and jewellry' contains a spelling error. Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the sentence structure could be more varied to demonstrate greater control. Most errors do not impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score.

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

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