Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-11

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)

Here a bar graph is given which shows one country's exports in distinct products during the year 2015 and 2016. The table shows the percentage difference in each product of exports in 2016 contrast with 2015.

Overall graph shows earnings in petroleum products, engineered goods, gems and jewellery, agricultural products and textiles.

Earning of products are shown :Petroleum products increased in 2016 with 8.5%, engineered goods also increased 3% in 2016, gems and jewellery decreased in 2016 with 5.18%, agricultural products increased with 0.81% and textiles products also increased with 15.24%.

So if we compare overall products earnings, earning of textiles is very impressive with respect to other products. So we can predict from this whole bar graph that country can earn more income from textiles products with more basic improvements in their products. Second high earning of country is in petroleum products with 8.5% and on third number gems and jewellery.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the task by identifying the main features of the data. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. You have listed the percentage changes but failed to clearly distinguish between the absolute values (the bar graph) and the percentage changes (the table). Furthermore, the final paragraph includes subjective speculation ('we can predict... with more basic improvements'), which is not appropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. To improve, focus on grouping the data logically—for example, by highlighting the categories with the highest growth versus those with the lowest—and ensure you describe the data objectively without offering personal advice or predictions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'So if we compare' and 'So we can predict' are used to link ideas, but they feel informal and lack the sophisticated transition required for higher bands. The progression of ideas is somewhat disjointed, particularly in the third paragraph where you list figures without clear comparative language. Using a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' 'Conversely') would significantly improve the flow and logical progression of your report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher levels. You rely heavily on basic terms like 'increased' and 'decreased.' While these are accurate, using synonyms such as 'rose,' 'climbed,' 'fell,' or 'witnessed a decline' would demonstrate better control. Additionally, there are some awkward collocations, such as 'earning of products are shown' and 'on third number.' To reach a higher band, focus on using more academic vocabulary related to data trends and ensure your word choices are more natural and precise.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation that occasionally hinder clarity. For example, 'Here a bar graph is given' is passive but slightly unnatural; 'in 2016 contrast with 2015' is grammatically incorrect (should be 'in contrast to'). There are also issues with article usage ('the country' instead of 'a country') and subject-verb agreement ('earning of products are'). While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy.

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

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