Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-28
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 5.0)
First of all, we shall discuss about the exports that were made in 2015. So, the most exported products on our graph are the petroleum products. It is obvious that the vast items we delivered to the foreign countries were of the petroleum and it is clear that on which material we should work on. Textile products were the least exported so clearly, we should look after it carefully. We were doing quite good effort in engineering, gems and agricultural products but our main motive is to work hard on textiles and try to work even more interestingly in petroleum. Now, we should make quick view on the graph of 2016. So, as compared to 2015, we have not made any improvement on any of the substance. Moreover, we also did not make any advancements on our previous products. Our whole managements and profits went to loss and it was quite embarrassing for us.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report. Instead of objectively summarizing the data, the student adopts a subjective, conversational tone, offering personal opinions such as 'it was quite embarrassing for us.' The response lacks a clear overview and fails to report specific figures from the table, such as the percentage changes or the actual values. By focusing on personal interpretation rather than data analysis, the response does not address the core task of reporting main features and making relevant comparisons. To improve, you must remain neutral, describe the data accurately, and avoid personal commentary or advice.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organized into two paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is illogical. The writing relies on informal transitions like 'First of all' and 'Now, we should make quick view,' which are not appropriate for an academic report. Cohesive devices are used in a mechanical and repetitive way. The lack of clear referencing to the data makes the text difficult to follow, as the reader cannot connect the commentary to the specific categories or figures presented in the prompt. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear, data-driven focus would enhance coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and often inappropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'we were doing quite good effort' and 'substance' (used to refer to export categories) are imprecise. The student uses informal language such as 'the vast items' and 'look after it carefully,' which lacks the precision required for IELTS Academic writing. There is a lack of topic-specific vocabulary related to data analysis, such as 'fluctuation,' 'decline,' 'growth,' or 'proportion.' To reach a higher band, you should focus on using precise, formal terminology to describe trends and statistical changes.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'it is clear that on which material we should work on' and 'our whole managements and profits went to loss.' There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the control over basic grammar is inconsistent. Issues with word order, preposition usage, and subject-verb agreement are prevalent throughout the text. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and reducing errors in tense and word choice, then gradually incorporate more complex structures like relative clauses or passive voice.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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