Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-28
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 illustrates the export earnings of a country from five different product categories in 2015 and 2016, while the accompanying information shows the percentage change in the value of each category over the same period.
Overall, export earnings from petroleum products and engineered goods were the highest in both years. In contrast, textiles generated the lowest revenue in 2015. Most categories experienced an increase in export values, with textiles recording the most significant growth, whereas gems and jewellery were the only category to decline.
In 2015, petroleum products generated approximately $60 billion, and this figure rose by 3% to around $62 billion in 2016. Earnings from engineered goods increased more noticeably, from about $58 billion to $62 billion, representing an 8.5% rise. Gems and jewellery earned roughly $43 billion in 2015, before falling slightly to around $41 billion in 2016, a decrease of 5.18%.
Agricultural products showed a marginal increase of 0.81%, with export earnings remaining at approximately $31 billion in both years. Finally, textiles experienced the largest percentage growth, rising from around $25 billion in 2015 to $30 billion in 2016, which represented a substantial 15.24% increase.
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 candidate has fully addressed all parts of the task by summarising the information, selecting the main features, and making relevant comparisons. The overview is clear and accurately highlights the general trends, such as petroleum products and engineered goods having the highest earnings, and textiles seeing the most significant percentage growth. Specific data points, such as the rise in petroleum products from approximately $61 billion to $63 billion and the decline in gems and jewellery, are accurately reported and supported with the percentage changes provided in the accompanying table. The response is comprehensive and meets all requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The response is logically organised with a clear progression throughout. It starts with an effective introductory paraphrase, followed by a well-crafted overview paragraph, and concludes with two detailed body paragraphs grouping the categories logically. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately (e.g., 'In contrast', 'whereas', 'Finally'). Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively, ensuring that each paragraph has a clear central topic. The referencing throughout the text is clear and contributes to the overall readability of the report.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.5
The candidate demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical resource suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Less common vocabulary items and functional phrases are used skilfully to describe data trends and proportions, such as 'substantial 15.24% increase', 'marginal increase', and 'export earnings'. Word choices and collocations are generally very natural and accurate (e.g., 'generated approximately', 'represented a substantial increase'). There are no noticeable lexical errors or awkward phrasings that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'while the accompanying information shows...', 'rising from around $25 billion in 2015 to $30 billion in 2016, which represented a substantial 15.24% increase'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control of grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. The minor slips are virtually non-existent, demonstrating a high level of accuracy fitting the band 8 descriptor.
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