Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-25
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 5.5)
In the line graph, the past and projected future overweight rates in USA, England, Canada, Spain, Austria, Australia, Italy, France, and Korea are shown, these are the OECD countries. The graph is plotted on the basis of proportion overweight (Y axis) vs. years (X axis). The X axis ranges from 1970 to 2020 and Y axis ranges from 20% to 80%. However, the data shows that from early 80's, the USA had approximately 45% of proportion of overweight, which then decreased for few years. But then again started to increase gradually, overflowing 70%. In case of England, it is noticeable that the proportion overweight increased gradually from less than 50% in 1990 to reaching 70% in 2020. The rate of change for Canada, Austria, and Spain are lower than the other countries. Australia, Italy, and France got lower proportion overweight increasing very slowly. It is significantly noticeable that the Korea had approximately 25% of proportion overweight in the 90's but it gradually increased from early 2010 to 2020, reaching about 35%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying trends for the countries mentioned. However, the overview is missing; a summary should highlight the overall trends (e.g., the general upward trajectory across all nations) rather than just listing specific data points. The description of the USA's trend is slightly inaccurate regarding the timeline, and the grouping of countries could be more analytical. To reach a higher band, you must provide a clear overview paragraph that synthesizes the information rather than just reporting individual figures. The response is somewhat descriptive rather than analytical, which limits the score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organized into a single paragraph, which makes it difficult to follow. IELTS Task 1 responses should be structured with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs to group related data logically. While there is some attempt at logical sequencing, the lack of paragraphing and the limited use of cohesive devices (e.g., 'In case of', 'However') make the flow feel somewhat mechanical. To improve, use clear paragraph breaks and a wider range of linking words to show the relationship between the different countries and their trends.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. Phrases like 'proportion of overweight' are repeated, and the word 'overflowing' is used incorrectly in this context (it should be 'exceeding' or 'surpassing'). There is an attempt to use some descriptive language, but it is limited. To improve, focus on using more precise verbs for trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'plateaued', or 'surged', and avoid repetitive phrasing. The range is sufficient to communicate the main ideas, but it does not demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'the Korea' (should be 'Korea'), 'proportion of overweight' (should be 'overweight rates'), and 'rate of change... are lower' (subject-verb agreement error). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma splices in the opening sentence. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles to improve accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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