Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-22

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 chart compares the export revenue of five product categories in 2015 and 2016, in billions of dollars, while the table shows the percentage change in each category.

Overall, petroleum products and engineering goods were the dominant exports in both years. Four out of five categories increased in value in 2016, with textiles showing the biggest rise, while gems and jewellery was the only category to fall.

In 2015, petroleum products generated the highest earnings at approximately $62 billion, followed closely by engineering goods at about $58 billion. Gems and jewellery stood at around $45 billion, while agricultural products and textiles earned the least, at roughly $42 billion and $38 billion respectively.

In 2016, values increased in most categories. Petroleum products rose by 3% to about $65 billion, and engineering goods grew by 8.5% to around $65 billion as well, becoming almost equal to petroleum products. Textiles, despite being the lowest in 2015, saw the most dramatic growth of 15.24% to about $45 billion. Agricultural products saw only a marginal increase of 0.81% to $44 billion. Conversely, gems and jewellery declined by 5.18% to approximately $40 billion.

In summary, although petroleum products remained the top export earner, engineering goods and textiles showed the most significant growth, while gems and jewellery experienced a decline.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features of both the bar chart and the table. An effective overview is provided, highlighting the dominant exports, the general upward trend, and the exception of gems and jewellery. Key figures are selected and reported accurately, such as the 15.24% rise in textiles. However, some of the specific baseline values cited for 2015 (e.g., stating agricultural products and textiles earned roughly $42 billion and $38 billion) misread the data from the visual, which actually shows approximately $31 billion and $26 billion respectively. Despite these minor data inaccuracies, the overall trends and comparisons are clearly articulated, earning a solid Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph paraphrasing the prompt, moves to an overview, details the 2015 data, discusses the 2016 changes, and concludes with a concise summary. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different parts of the analysis. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'consequently', 'despite', and 'in summary' are employed effectively to guide the reader through the data, although referencing and transitions could occasionally be smoother to achieve a higher band.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and functional range of vocabulary suited to Task 1, using terms like 'export revenue', 'dominant exports', 'marginal increase', and 'dramatic growth'. Less common lexical items are attempted with reasonable success, such as 'consequently' and 'approximately'. There are a few inaccuracies in word choice or phrasing—such as overestimating or misreading specific baseline figures—but these do not impede communication. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, supporting a competent Band 6.5 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and participial phrases effectively (e.g., 'Textiles, despite being the lowest in 2015, saw the most dramatic growth...'). Grammatical accuracy is reasonably high, with a good proportion of error-free sentences. Minor mechanical or structural slips occur, but control over grammar and punctuation is generally sound throughout the response, allowing for smooth readability and meeting the criteria for Band 7.0.

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

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