Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-19
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The bar charts and line graph below show the results of a survey conducted over a three-year period to discover what people who live in London think of the city.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information below.
What are the best things about living in London?
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The provided bar charts and line graph illustrates the outcomes of a survey held over a three-year-period to unearth what individuals who live in London think about the city.
Overall, it is evident that there were both pros and cons whether we live in a well-developed city or in low-grade one. However, these graphs demonstrates the best things about living in London along with the worst things as well.
In Graph, the best things about living in London was the range of shops which were accounted for 45% during 1st year, while 41% for 2nd year and 43% for 3rd year respectively. However, which was followed by job opportunities, accounted for 39% in 1st year, while approximately 37% for both 2nd and 3rd year.
In 2nd Graph, the worst things about living in London was the cost of living which were accounted for 58% during 1st year, while 49% for 2nd year and 51% for 3rd year respectively. However, which was followed by traffic congestion, accounted for 58% in 1st year and 2nd year, while approximately 49% for 3rd year.
the line
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| 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 charts, but the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview of the trends. While you identify the top categories, the 'overall' paragraph is generic and does not synthesize the data effectively. The report ends abruptly with 'the line', suggesting an incomplete thought or a failure to proofread. To improve, ensure you provide a clear summary of the most significant trends rather than just listing percentages. The data is presented, but the lack of a concluding sentence and the incomplete final phrase detract from the overall task completion.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often repetitive or misused. For example, starting sentences with 'However, which was followed by...' is grammatically incorrect and creates a disjointed flow. The transition between the first and second graph is functional but lacks sophistication. The abrupt ending of the text significantly impacts the coherence of the final section. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, logical progression that does not rely on repetitive sentence structures.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for higher bands. You use basic terms like 'best things' and 'worst things' repeatedly. There are also some awkward word choices, such as 'unearth' in the introduction, which is not the most appropriate term for describing survey results. The repetition of 'accounted for' in every sentence makes the writing feel monotonous. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more varied reporting verbs and synonyms for 'percentage' or 'proportion', and ensure that your word choices are contextually appropriate for an academic report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Subject-verb agreement is a recurring issue, such as 'graphs demonstrates' (should be 'demonstrate') and 'cost of living which were' (should be 'was'). The sentence structure is often repetitive, relying heavily on simple clauses. The phrase 'which were accounted for' is used incorrectly in multiple instances. Additionally, there are punctuation errors and the text ends mid-sentence. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and reducing the reliance on 'which' clauses. Aim to vary your sentence structures by using participial phrases or different types of complex sentences.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.