Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-08

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 5.5)

The given pie charts illustrate the percentage distribution of different European Union countries exporting goods to India and China between the year 2000 and 2011.

Overall, it is clear that Germany accounted for the most significant portion in both years for China, while United Kingdom contributed the most for India later was replaced by Germany.

To begin with, in 2000, for India, exports by United Kingdom accounted for the highest proportion at approximately 30%, followed by Belgium at a quarter of the total trade. Meanwhile, Germany represented only 15%, which was significantly lower. Other categories, such as Italy, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands and Austria as well as other countries shared relatively lower percentages. Whereas the same year in China, goods were majorly exported by Germany at 38%, followed by France at 13%. Italy made up for about one tenth of the total. And the rest of the countries contributed in relatively lower figures.

By 2011, there were some remarkable changes. Exports in India, Germany experienced a significant rise to 10%, becoming the largest. In contrast, Belgium dropped noticeably to just 5% becoming the second largest. Some areas, like the other countries fluctuated slightly but remained lower in contribution. While for China, Germany still dominated by a substantial number at 40%, followed by France which declined to 10% and rest of the countries showed slight changes but remained relatively low in terms of exporting goods to china.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the pie charts, identifying key trends and making comparisons between the two years. However, there are significant inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, you state that Germany's exports to India rose to 10% in 2011, but the chart shows a much higher figure, and you describe Belgium as dropping to 5% when it is clearly higher. These factual errors undermine the accuracy of the report. While the overview is clear, the supporting details lack precision, which prevents a higher band score. To improve, ensure that data points are read carefully and that comparisons are mathematically accurate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'In contrast', and 'By 2011' are used to guide the reader through the information. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'later was replaced by Germany' in the overview, which lacks a clear subject. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two years, which helps the reader follow the progression of the data. Overall, the structure is coherent, but the flow could be improved with more varied linking phrases.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'percentage distribution', 'accounted for', and 'dominated'. There are some instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'majorly' (which is informal) and 'rest of the countries' (which is slightly repetitive). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, there is a lack of more sophisticated or varied synonyms that would elevate the response. The spelling is generally accurate, and the vocabulary used does not impede communication, but it remains within a fairly standard range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'United Kingdom contributed the most for India later was replaced by Germany' (a run-on/fused sentence) and 'Exports in India, Germany experienced...' (a dangling modifier). Punctuation is generally functional, but some sentences are clunky due to missing prepositions or awkward phrasing. While you attempt complex structures, the frequency of errors in sentence construction limits the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and ensuring each sentence has a clear, singular focus would improve clarity and accuracy.

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

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