Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-30

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 illustrates how families in one country managed their weekly income between 1968 and 2018.

Overall, there are eight different things, such as food, housing, fuel and power, clothing, household goods, personal goods, transport and leisure. The food has the highest weekly income spent, while fuel and power have the least weekly spending.

Leisure, in 1968, weekly income was 8%, while in 2018, it was approximately 22%. Similarly, for transport in 1968 it was about 7%, while in 2018, it is approximately 13 percent. Personal goods in 1968 were about 8%, while in 2018, it is approximately 4%. Moreover, household goods in both 1968 and 2018 remained unchanged at approximately 8%.

Furthermore, clothing in 1968 is about 10%. In contrast, 2018 is approximately 5%. Fuel and power is the lowest weekly spending, in 1968 it was about 6%, while in 2018 it was 4%. Moreover, housing in 1968 was about 10% while in 2018, it was 18%. In conclusion, food has the highest average weekly spending. In 1968, it is 35%, while in 2018 was 17%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student attempts to cover the main features of the chart comparing weekly spending in 1968 and 2018. An overview is attempted at the beginning by listing the categories, and a concluding remark mentions food spending. However, the response lacks a cohesive, well-developed overall summary comparing the broader trends (such as the dramatic drop in food expenditure versus the rise in leisure). Furthermore, some data points are stated in a mechanical, list-like fashion without meaningful synthesis or grouping. While most figures are reasonably accurate based on the chart, the lack of a fully developed overview and selection of key trends keeps this response at Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The text is organised into paragraphs, with the introduction, body details, and conclusion separated. However, the progression between sentences within the body paragraphs feels disjointed, reading more like a list of disconnected data points rather than a flowing analytical report. Cohesive devices are basic and sometimes repetitive (e.g., 'while in 2018', 'moreover'). Referencing is occasionally awkward, such as stating 'clothing in 1968 is about 10%. In contrast, 2018 is approximately 5%'. Paragraphing is present, but overall logical flow and sophisticated cohesion are lacking, aligning with Band 6.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully conveying basic percentages and categories (e.g., 'weekly income', 'average', 'household goods'). However, the lexical range is rather limited and repetitive, with frequent reliance on basic verbs and structures like 'spent', 'was', and 'is'. There are occasional awkward word choices or phrasing, such as 'eight different things, such as food, housing...' instead of 'eight categories, including food, housing...'. Less common vocabulary is sparse, placing this response firmly in the Band 6 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, though complex structures are often limited or prone to slight mechanical errors. There are tense inconsistencies and awkward phrasing, such as mixing past and present tenses ('clothing in 1968 is about 10%. In contrast, 2018 is approximately 5%'). Punctuation is generally acceptable, and errors do not severely impede communication, but the frequency of minor grammatical slips prevents the score from reaching Band 7.0.

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