Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-03

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 given bar graph illustrates about the value one country’s exports in various categories between 2015 to 2016.The table shows the percentage change in each category of exports in 2016 compared with 2015. The data were calibrated in percentage.

Overall, It is crystal clear that the product`s export increased during this time. Textiles got largest growth. While gems and jewellery export slowly went down. Agricultural products remained same.

At a fleeting glance, In 2015 petroleum products earned $6.1 billions and the figure rose to around $6.3 in 2016 and rising slightly 3%. While export of engineered increase considerably from roughly $5.8 billions to $6.3 billions. It increase 8.5% in 2016.

Moving further, In 2015 gems and jewellery was around $5.2 billions while in 2016 it went down up to $4.8 from 2015. It fell down up to 5.18%. Agricultural products almost got $4.0. It growth to 0.81%. Textiles industry exports earned were maximum 15.24% ranging from $3.5 billions to $4.0 billions.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.5
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the data, including the overall trends and specific category comparisons. You covered all parts of the task by reporting both the export values and the percentage changes. However, the report could be improved by ensuring the data is presented more accurately. For instance, you stated that agricultural products 'remained same', but the data shows a 0.81% increase. Additionally, some figures are slightly imprecise, such as describing the textile growth as 'maximum 15.24%' when it is clearly the highest percentage change. To reach a higher band, ensure that your summary of the data is factually precise and that you consistently distinguish between the absolute values and the percentage changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'While', 'Moving further', and 'At a fleeting glance', to connect your ideas. However, the flow is occasionally mechanical, and some transitions feel slightly forced or unnatural. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when you jump between years and categories without sufficient signposting. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus, which will help the reader follow your analysis of the data more smoothly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have an adequate range of vocabulary to describe the data, using terms like 'illustrates', 'increased', 'growth', and 'fell'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'The data were calibrated in percentage' (which is slightly awkward) and 'It growth to 0.81%' (incorrect word form). You also rely on some repetitive phrasing. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'experienced a marginal increase'. Additionally, pay closer attention to word forms to ensure you are using nouns and verbs correctly in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'illustrates about the value', 'product`s export', 'It increase 8.5%', and 'Agricultural products almost got $4.0'. These errors, while not impeding overall communication, are noticeable and occur frequently. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct preposition usage, and consistent tense control. You should also work on the accurate use of articles and pluralization. While you attempt complex sentences, they often contain minor errors that detract from the overall fluency of your writing.

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

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