Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-06

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The chart below gives information about how families in one country spent their weekly income in 1968 and in 2018.

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

1968 and 2018: average weekly spending by families

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The Bar chart illustrates data about the average weekly expenditure by families in a country in 1968 and 2018.

Overall, Weekly income spent by families on the Food was at the highest proportion in 1968. While, Fuel and power was in which least amount over the same period. However, In 2018, The Leisure activity were gradually increased by the time. In contrast, The spending expenses on personal goods were declined by the end of period.

In 1968, Families were average spending income on food was at significantly highest point about 35% of weekly income. Where as, Housing and Clothing and footware spent were at equal amount approximately about 10%. However, Leisure activity, Transport, Personal goods and Household goods was least focus for spending accounted with 9%. Moreover, Fuel and power were lowest amount of spending done by families in one country about 6%.

Regarding 2018, It totally followed opposite trend. Then, Families spent their weekly income at Leisure activity was at increased as compared to 1986 was about 23% of weekly income. In Contrast, spending income on food were drop in 2018 about 17% almost half. Consequently, The ratio of spending on housing were gradually rose by 10% to 19% in 2018. Then, Houeshold goods was about 7%. In addition, Fuel and power, Clothing and footware and personal clothing were decreased was about 5% respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the chart and makes relevant comparisons between 1968 and 2018. However, the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. For instance, the statement that 'Leisure activity were gradually increased by the time' is a generalisation that lacks precision, and the data reporting is occasionally inaccurate (e.g., mentioning 1986 instead of 1968). While the key trends are identified, the lack of clear, accurate data presentation in some sections prevents a higher score. The overview is present but could be more effectively synthesised to highlight the most significant shifts in spending patterns.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'While, Fuel and power was in which least amount' and 'Then, Families spent' create awkward transitions that disrupt the flow. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the logical progression between sentences is occasionally hindered by grammatical errors. While there is an attempt to use linking words, they are not always used with the flexibility or precision required for a higher band.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety needed for a higher score. There is frequent repetition of basic verbs like 'spent' and 'was'. Some word choices are unnatural or incorrect, such as 'spending expenses' (redundant) and 'personal clothing' (when the chart refers to personal goods). Spelling errors, such as 'Houeshold' and 'footware', also occur. The range of vocabulary is limited, and the student struggles to use less common items accurately, which occasionally impacts the clarity of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Subject-verb agreement is a recurring issue, such as 'Leisure activity were' and 'spending income on food were drop'. Punctuation is also problematic, with unnecessary capitalisation (e.g., 'The Leisure activity', 'In Contrast') and incorrect comma usage. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevents the response from reaching a higher band level.

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

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