Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-19

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 6.5)

The bar graph and the table chart compares the value of exports of a country in five categories such as Petroleum products, Engineered goods, Gems and jewellery, Agricultural products and Textiles and also the changes in percentage in each category in the year 2015 and 2016.

Overall, it is crystal clear that four of the five sectors saw increases, while gems and jewellery was the sole exception and also Petroleum products and engineered goods brought in the highest revenues in both years whereas the Agricultural products and the textile were at the bottom of earning sales.

To start with, Petroleum products generated the highest income in 2015 at roughly $60–$61 billion, increasing by 3% to reach about $62–$63 billion in 2016. Moreover, Engineered goods was the second-highest earner, starting at around $58 billion in 2015 and increased by8.5% to reach petroleum at $62 billion in 2016. However, Gems and jewellery dropped from approximately $43 billion down to $41 billion, marking a decrease of 5.18%.

Furthermore, Agricultural products remained at approximately $31 billion in both years, showing minimal growth of just 0.81%. Finally, Textiles which started as the lowest category at roughly $25–$26 billion in 2015, but had a surge of a 15.24% increase,resulting in earnings to over $30 billion in 2016.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing an overview of the main trends and reporting the specific export earnings for 2015 and 2016 alongside the percentage changes. Key features are successfully identified, such as Petroleum products and Engineered goods generating the highest revenues, while Gems and jewellery was the sole sector to decline. Figures are accurately reported from the charts, including values like approximately $60-$61 billion for petroleum and the respective percentage increases (e.g., 3% for petroleum and 15.24% for textiles). The response is well-supported with relevant data and maintains a clear, objective tone throughout, fulfilling the requirements for Band 7.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised with a clear overall progression. An introductory paragraph outlines the charts, followed by a succinct overview paragraph and two body paragraphs that group the categories logically. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'However', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader through comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and referencing throughout the text remains clear. The logical sequencing and appropriate transitions support a solid Band 7.0 performance.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, employing terms such as 'generated the highest income', 'minimal growth', and 'surge'. There are occasional slight awkwardnesses, such as 'reach petroleum at $62 billion', but these do not impede communication. Less common lexical items are used with some awareness of style and collocation (e.g., 'sole exception', 'revenues'), placing the vocabulary solidly within the Band 7.0 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and comparative constructions. There are frequent error-free sentences, though a few minor mechanical and grammatical errors occur, such as the subject-verb agreement slip in 'The bar graph and the table chart compares' and a spacing error in 'increased by8.5%'. Punctuation is generally well controlled. This balance of complex structures with occasional minor errors fits the Band 7.0 criteria well.

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