Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-07-31

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The line graph below shows past and current overweight rates, as well as a projected future overweight rate in nine selected countries.

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

Past and projected future overweight rates in selected OECD countries

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The line graph illustrates past, current and projected rates of overweight people in nine selected OECD countries between 1970 and 2020.

Overall, overweight rates are expected to rise in all countries throughout the period. The USA records the highest proportion of overweight people, while Korea consistently has the lowest rate. Canada and England also experience substantial increases, whereas France and Korea show relatively modest growth.

At the beginning of the period, the USA had the highest overweight rate at approximately 45%, followed by England at around 43%. Australia and Austria recorded figures of roughly 38%, while France and Korea were considerably lower, at about 30% and 25%, respectively. Over the following decades, the proportion of overweight people increased steadily in most countries. England and Canada rose sharply, reaching approximately 68% and 69%, respectively, by 2020. The USA also experienced a continuous upward trend and is projected to peak at around 74%, maintaining its position as the country with the highest prevalence of overweight individuals.

The remaining countries witnessed more moderate growth. Spain increased from approximately 43% to 55%, while Italy climbed from around 35% to just over 45%. Australia and Austria are expected to finish at roughly 46% and 44%, respectively. By contrast, France and Korea remain the least affected, despite gradual increases to around 35% and 34% by the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

You have provided a clear and accurate summary of the main features shown in the graph. You successfully identified the overall trend of rising overweight rates and made effective comparisons between the countries, such as contrasting the high rates in the USA and England with the lower rates in France and Korea. The data is well-selected to support your points, and you have covered all parts of the task effectively. The inclusion of specific figures adds precision to your report, meeting the requirements for a high-level response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

Your response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data effectively. The progression of ideas is smooth, and you use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'by contrast', and 'following decades' to link your points. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the general trends from the specific data points. The flow of information is natural, making the report easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'substantial increases', 'relatively modest growth', and 'prevalence of overweight individuals' show a strong command of language. You avoid repetition and use precise terminology to describe the trends in the graph. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or nuanced synonyms could elevate the response further, but the current range is already sufficient for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

Your grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of complex sentence structures used throughout the text. You handle comparative structures and time references with ease. There are almost no grammatical errors, and your punctuation is precise. The use of participial phrases and subordinate clauses adds to the sophistication of your writing. The control over complex structures is consistent, and the text is error-free, which demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.