Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-18

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The pie charts below show exports from various EU countries to India and China in 2000 and 2011.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

EU Exports of Goods to India and China in 2000 and 2011

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The four pie charts illustrate the proportions of goods exported by various EU countries to India and China in 2000 and 2011.

Overall, Germany was the largest exporter to China in both years, and its share increased considerably by 2011. In contrast, the leading exported to India changed from the United Kingdom in 2000 to Germany in 2011, while UK's proportion declined substantially. Overall, the distribution of exports to China was more heavily dominated by Germany than that to India.

In 2000, the United Kingdom accounted for the largest proportion of EU exports to India, at 29%, followed closely by Belgium at 25%. Germany represented a further 15%, while France and Italy accounted for 8% and 7%, respectively. The remaining countries each contributed relatively small shares, with Austria recording the lowest figure at just 1%. By 2011, however, Germany had become the largest exporter to India, with its share rising to 25%. Belgium remained the second-largest contributor at 20%, whereas the UK's proportion fell sharply from 29% to 13%. Meanwhile, the shares of France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden all increased slightly.

The pattern of exports to China was different. Germany was by far the largest contributor in 2000, accounting for 38% of total EU exports, followed by France at 13%. Italy and the UK each represented 9%, while Sweden accounted for 8%. By 2011, Germany's share had risen dramatically to 48%, meaning that almost half of EU exports to China came from Germany. In contrast, France's proportion fell to 10%, while the UK's share decreased to 7% and Sweden's dropped to only 3%. The proportions for Italy and the Netherlands changed only slightly, reaching 8% and 5%, respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified the main features and trends, such as Germany's dominance in the Chinese market and the shift in leadership for exports to India. The data is used accurately to support your points, and you have made relevant comparisons between the two years and the two destinations. The overview is clear and provides a concise summary of the most significant changes. You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt, ensuring that the reader has a clear understanding of the data trends without needing to refer back to the charts constantly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

Your writing is logically organized and flows smoothly. Each paragraph has a clear focus: the introduction, the overview, the detailed analysis of India, and the detailed analysis of China. You use a good range of cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'By 2011, however', which help the reader navigate the information easily. The progression of ideas is logical, moving from general trends to specific data points. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the two distinct export destinations, making the report very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases like 'accounted for the largest proportion', 'declined substantially', and 'risen dramatically' show a sophisticated command of language appropriate for an academic report. You avoid repetition by using varied synonyms for 'share' and 'contributor'. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is consistently natural and accurate throughout the entire response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is highly accurate, with a wide range of complex structures used correctly. You effectively use subordinate clauses, comparative structures, and passive voice constructions. For example, 'the leading exported to India changed' contains a minor slip (should be 'exporter'), but this is a rare, non-systematic error that does not impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is precise, contributing to the overall clarity and professional tone of the report.

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