Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-01

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 5.5)

The bar chart illustrates the countries exports in several categories in two different years, while the table compares the percentage change in each category between 2015 and 2016.

Overall, what stands out from the graph is that petroleum product exports were the highest among all other given categories, while textiles were the lowest export product. Whereas, textile exports noticeably increased in next year, making top percentage in table, while Agricultural product recorded slight change with the last in the table.

Looking at the table petroleum products were the hightest export, with 70-billion in 2015 and rose to 76-billion in 2016 (3%), while engineered goods were at 67 billion in 2015 and 72 billion in 2016, making it highest among these categories (8.5%). In contrast gems and jewelllery were at 55 billion in 2015 and with fell slightly to 50 billion in 2016.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

The response sits at a lower level because it fails to reach the minimum 150-word requirement, stopping short at 142 words. Furthermore, the selection and reporting of data are inaccurate and incomplete. The student attempts to summarise the main features, but misinterprets several key figures from the visual data, incorrectly stating that petroleum products were 70 billion in 2015 and that gems and jewellery fell to 50 billion. The overview attempts to highlight general trends, but the supporting details are flawed and do not adequately present a fully developed picture of the chart and table data.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay demonstrates an attempt at logical organisation with an introduction, an overview paragraph, and a body paragraph. However, the overall progression is disrupted by mechanical and faulty cohesive devices, such as 'Whereas, textile exports noticeably increased in next year'. Paragraphing is present, but referencing between sentences is not always clear, and the transition between ideas feels abrupt. To reach a higher level, the writer needs to ensure smoother connections between sentences and paragraphs, avoiding disjointed phrasing that hinders the flow of information.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The lexical range is limited and minimally adequate for the task. The student attempts some less common vocabulary such as 'noticeably increased' and 'percentage change', but makes noticeable errors in word choice, spelling, and numerical interpretation, such as spelling 'highest' as 'hightest' and writing 'jewelllery'. Collocations are occasionally awkward. To improve this criterion, the writer should expand their vocabulary range and pay closer attention to spelling and precise terminology when reporting statistical data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response features a limited range of sentence structures, with frequent errors in grammar and punctuation that can cause some difficulty for the reader. There are issues with article usage and prepositions, such as 'the countries exports' instead of 'the country's exports' and 'in next year' instead of 'the following year'. Attempts at complex sentences are often faulty, and missing punctuation affects readability. To achieve a higher score, the writer must demonstrate better control over basic grammatical structures, verb agreements, and punctuation.

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

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