Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-01
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 illustrate the figure of individual country's exports in numerous categories during 2015 and 2016. The table chart depict the proportion change in each category of exports in 2016 compared with 2015.
Overall, Petroleum recorded the highest proportion of exports earning, followed by Engineered goods was the second largest share of exports income. However, Agricultural products and Textiles had the lowest percentage, which earned in exports. In product categories textiles had the biggest value which was changed.
To begin with, Petroleum products the highest proportion of exports earning at 60 billions dollar in 2015, while this trend was slightly increased in 2016. Moreover, Engineered goods the second largest share of exports at 55 billions dollar, but it rose to 65% in 2016. On the contrast, Agricultural products and textiles had the lowest figure, which stood at 30 billions dollar and 25 billions dollar in 2015,. However, textiles increased to over 30 billions dollar in 2016.
Turning to the next details, Textiles dramatically percentage change in values, which 15.24%. Gems and jewellery value dropped to 5.18%. Petroleum and Agricultural products was gradually increased.
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
You have identified the main features of the data, such as the leading export categories and the general trends. However, the response contains significant inaccuracies in data reporting. For example, you state that Petroleum was 60 billion dollars in 2015, but the provided data shows 60.0, which likely refers to a different unit or scale, and you confuse percentage changes with absolute values (e.g., stating Engineered goods rose to 65% in 2016). Furthermore, the description of the percentage changes in the final paragraph is unclear and lacks precision. To improve, ensure you distinguish clearly between absolute values and percentage changes and verify that your data points accurately reflect the provided table.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices like 'Overall', 'To begin with', and 'Turning to the next details' to signal transitions. However, the flow within paragraphs is sometimes hindered by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. For instance, the transition 'On the contrast' is non-standard, and the connection between sentences in the final paragraph is weak. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus will help you achieve a higher score in this criterion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the data categories and trends. You use terms like 'proportion', 'share', and 'dramatically'. However, there are frequent errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'the bar graph illustrate' (should be 'illustrates'), 'exports earning' (should be 'export earnings'), and 'biggest value which was changed'. These errors occasionally make the text feel repetitive or imprecise. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology for data trends and ensure your subject-verb agreement is consistent.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('The bar graph illustrate'), missing articles, and incorrect verb forms ('Petroleum and Agricultural products was gradually increased'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to distract the reader. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and proofreading for common errors like pluralization and verb tense consistency.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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