Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-26

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 4.0)

The bar graph illustrates the saveral categories exported during 2015 and 2016 of one country and fluctuates the percentage of each category exported.

Overall, it can be seen the different group of products exports in specific year and shows the percentage of each year.

To begin with the year 2015, petroleum products were exported 60%. Engineering goods accounts 55%. Furthermore, gems and jewellery are exported around 40%. Which was gradually less than the petroleum and engineering goods. Whereas, agricultural products exports around 30% and textiles accounts 25% only. Textile category noted as the lowest exported category in year 2015.

In front of that, in year 2016, all categories were increased there exports, except gems and jewellery. It was not even touched 40%. Afterward, petroleum(65%) and engineering goods(60%). Furthermore, agricultural products quite increased than the previous year and marked at around 42%. Surprisingly, textiles export 5-7% higher than the prvious year and accounts around 42-43%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

The student attempts to address the task by reporting data from both the bar graph and the table, mentioning categories such as petroleum products, engineering goods, gems and jewellery, agricultural products, and textiles. However, there are significant inaccuracies in data interpretation. The student misreads the absolute values as percentages (e.g., writing 'petroleum products were exported 60%' instead of 61 billion dollars) and misinterprets the table's percentage change figures, confusing them with volume or new proportions (e.g., claiming textiles increased by '5-7% higher' to reach '42-43%'). Furthermore, the overview is extremely vague and fails to capture the main trends effectively. While the word count requirement is met, the flawed data reporting places this response at Band 4.5.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0

The essay is divided into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs, showing a basic attempt at paragraphing. However, progression is weak and ideas are poorly connected. Cohesive devices are either misused or absent, resulting in disjointed sentences and awkward transitions such as 'In front of that, in year 2016'. Referencing is frequently unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the flow of comparisons between the two years. Overall arrangement lacks logical coherence, aligning best with Band 4.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.0

The vocabulary used is very basic and repetitive, with frequent misuse of terms related to data reporting (e.g., 'fluctuates the percentage', 'accounts 55%', 'noted as the lowest exported category'). There are also spelling errors such as 'saveral' for 'several'. The range is limited and inadequate for a precise discussion of statistical data, struggling to convey simple comparative meanings accurately. This corresponds to a Band 4.0 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.0

The response displays a very limited range of grammatical structures. Most sentences are simple or attempt complex forms that result in major structural errors and fragments (e.g., 'Which was gradually less than the petroleum and engineering goods.' and 'It was not even touched 40%'). Errors in tense, voice, and preposition use are frequent and often impede communication. Punctuation is also erratic. These features fit the Band 4.0 descriptors.

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