Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-14

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 5.0)

The bar graph shows the data on how many families in a country spent their weekly earnings in the year 1968 and 2018.

Overall, The weekly spending in the year 1968 has a dramatic decrease of their needs whereas in 2018 it is quite the opposite.

In 1968 most of the earning was spent on food which was exactly 35% and the least was fuel and power slightly over 5%. Followed by 10% on housing and clothing and remaining income was spent on other needs which was approximately 10%.

In 2018 whilst leisure was the one families spent most of their income in whereas fuel and power plus personal goods were the least spent on. Food and housing had a similarly percentage of around 20. followed by other goods of below 10%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified some main features, the analysis is quite superficial. You have not fully developed the comparisons between the two years, and some data points are described vaguely (e.g., 'other needs'). To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview and include more specific data points to support your descriptions. The failure to reach the word count means the task is only partially addressed, as the depth of analysis is insufficient for an Academic Task 1 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression is hindered by the lack of sufficient detail and some awkward phrasing. Cohesive devices are used, but they are somewhat mechanical (e.g., 'Followed by', 'In 2018 whilst'). The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas more fluidly. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and that the information flows logically from one point to the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for a higher band score. You rely on basic descriptors like 'most of the earning' and 'least spent on'. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'similarly percentage', which should be 'similar percentage'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise vocabulary related to data reporting, such as 'expenditure', 'proportion', 'allocated to', and 'fluctuated'. Using a broader range of synonyms will help you avoid repetition and demonstrate a better command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. For example, 'The weekly spending... has a dramatic decrease of their needs' is syntactically unclear. There are also issues with article usage and sentence fragments, such as 'Followed by 10% on housing and clothing and remaining income was spent on other needs which was approximately 10%.' To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensuring that your sentences are complete and grammatically sound. Practising the use of complex sentences with correct punctuation will also help elevate your score.

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

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