Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-10

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 5.0)

The line graph illustrates the proportion of overweight rates in nine countries past data and future projections between 1970 and 2020.

Overall, the overweight rates are expected to increase in nine countries. In the USA the figure rose dramatically, while in European countries experienced a slight decrease compared to USA over the period. Italy, France and Korea experienced a significant increase.

In 1970, the USA experienced a decline and rose significantly throughout the period, European countries showed a fluctuation approximately 50% to 70%. In 1980, Spain constituted a slight fall in 2000 and climb in 2020. In contrast, Austria showed stable between 1980 and 1990 and little fluctuated and showed a climb approximately at 43%. USA recorded a minimal fall and peak at above 73%. Conversely, although Korea recorded the least proportion in overweight all of the countries.

Australia experienced an increase of 64% in 2020, while Italy and France accounted for about 40% in 2020. In 2000, Korea comprised of 30% in 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response identifies some main features, but the reporting is inconsistent and often inaccurate. For instance, the claim that European countries experienced a 'slight decrease' is not supported by the data, which generally shows upward trends. The overview is vague, and the selection of data points is confusing, particularly the attempt to describe trends for multiple countries in a single sentence. The response fails to clearly contrast the past and projected future rates effectively. To improve, focus on identifying clear trends (e.g., consistent growth) and grouping countries by similar patterns rather than listing them randomly. Ensure that the data cited matches the visual evidence provided in the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression within them is weak. The use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused, such as the abrupt transition 'In 1980, the USA experienced a decline' which contradicts the previous sentence. Referencing is frequently unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between countries. The paragraphing is present, but the internal structure of the body paragraphs lacks a clear focus, resulting in a disjointed narrative. Improving the use of linking words like 'whereas,' 'similarly,' and 'in contrast' would help create a more fluid and logical flow of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, often relying on basic verbs like 'rose,' 'showed,' and 'experienced.' There are several instances of awkward word choices and collocations, such as 'comprised of 30% in 2020' and 'little fluctuated.' The range of vocabulary is insufficient to convey the data with precision. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate a wider variety of verbs and nouns related to trends, such as 'soared,' 'remained stable,' 'a marginal increase,' or 'a significant decline.' Focus on using precise terminology to describe statistical changes rather than generic phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'European countries showed a fluctuation'), incorrect preposition usage, and sentence fragments. Complex sentence structures are attempted but are often faulty or poorly constructed, such as 'although Korea recorded the least proportion in overweight all of the countries.' While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic sentence construction prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence structure and ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject and verb will significantly improve your accuracy.

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

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