Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-16
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 7.5)
The bar chart compares the export earnings of a country from five different product categories in 2015 and 2016, while the table shows the percentage change in the value of these exports over the same period.
Overall, petroleum products had the highest export earnings in both years. Most categories experienced an increase, while gems and jewellery was the only product that showed a decline. Textiles recorded the largest percentage growth.
In 2015, petroleum products generated approximately $61 billion, making them the highest-earning category. This figure increased slightly to around $63 billion in 2016, representing a 3% rise. Similarly, earnings from engineered goods increased from about $57 billion to $62 billion, which was an 8.5% increase.
Turning to the other categories, gems and jewellery earned around $43 billion in 2015. However, this figure fell to approximately $41 billion in 2016, a decrease of 5.18%. Agricultural products showed very little change, with earnings remaining at just over $30 billion, despite a small increase of 0.81%.
Finally, textiles had the lowest earnings in 2015, at about $25 billion. However, their export value rose to more than $30 billion in 2016. This represented the largest percentage increase, at 15.24%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the task by summarizing the main features of the chart and table accurately. The overview clearly highlights the highest-earning category overall, the general upward trend, the single decline in gems and jewellery, and the fastest-growing sector. Specific data points—such as petroleum products generating approximately $61 billion in 2015 and rising to $63 billion in 2016—are accurately reported and well integrated with the percentage changes provided in the table. The student skillfully selects and compares relevant information without omitting crucial details or fabricating statistics.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Ideas flow smoothly from the introductory overview into detailed body paragraphs categorized by export types. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on specific products or trends. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'similarly', 'turning to', and 'finally' are used effectively to link ideas and guide the reader through the data without appearing mechanical or overused.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to academic reporting. Phrases such as 'export earnings', 'highest-earning category', 'experienced an increase', and 'export value' are used naturally and precisely. Less common vocabulary items and reporting verbs are handled well, with only occasional minor imperfections. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, facilitating clear and professional communication throughout the essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
A wide range of sentence structures is used effectively, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('while the table shows...', 'making them the highest-earning category', 'despite a small increase of 0.81%'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, demonstrating excellent control over tense consistency (past simple for 2015/2016 data) and punctuation. Minor slips are virtually absent, placing this response comfortably in the higher band range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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