Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-07
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 chart depicts one country's exports in different categories between 2015 and 2016. The table provides the percentage of change in each category of exports.
Overall, petroleum products and engineered good gained the significant earnings, while textiles showed the least earnings during the end of the period.
Firstly, in 2015, petroleum products were at $60 billions which increased 3% by 2016 and reached at the top with around $67 billions. In addition, engineered products suprisingly jumped to $65 billions with 8.5% compared to 2015 earnings which is around $56 billions.
Moreover, gems and jwellery were around $55 billions which gradually dropped down to $50 billions with the change of 5.18% in a single year. Now, agricultural products showed very less earnings in a result which only gained 0.81% change in comparions of both years from $40 billions to $41 billions. While, textiles were stood up at $35 billions by 2015 and escalated to $43 billions by 2016 which is an amazing change of 15.24%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying main features and making comparisons. You successfully integrated data from both the bar chart and the table. However, there are some inaccuracies in the data reporting; for instance, you stated petroleum products reached $67 billion, but the chart indicates a 3% increase on $60 billion, which is $61.8 billion. Additionally, the description of 'engineered goods' as having a 3% increase is incorrect based on the provided data. To improve, ensure that your calculations and data transcriptions are precise, as accuracy is a key component of Task Achievement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In addition', and 'Moreover' to signal transitions between ideas. However, some of the linking is slightly mechanical, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. For example, the transition to the final paragraph is a bit abrupt. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different categories of exports. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of cohesive devices and ensuring that the progression of ideas feels more natural.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'depicts', 'escalated', and 'gradually dropped'. There are some minor errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'jwellery' (jewelry) and 'comparions' (comparison). Additionally, phrases like 'showed very less earnings' are unnatural; 'generated lower revenue' would be more appropriate. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, incorporating more precise, academic collocations would enhance the quality of your writing and help you achieve a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'textiles were stood up at $35 billions' (should be 'stood at') and 'reached at the top' (should be 'reached the top'). There are also issues with article usage and pluralization, such as 'engineered good' instead of 'engineered goods'. These errors do not impede communication, but they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher band score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions to improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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