Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-15

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The pie charts below show responses by teachers of foreign languages in Britain to a survey concerning why their students are learning a foreign language. The first chart shows the main reason for learning a foreign language. The second chart shows how many teachers felt that there has been a recent change in the reason.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information below.

% of teachers reporting the following as most common reason for learning:

Student answer (Band 8.0)

The two pie charts illustrate the reasons why people learn a language, according to teachers, and the reasons associated with the recent increase in language learning.

Overall, travel was the most common reason for learning a language, whereas buying property overseas accounted for the largest proportion of the recent increase. It is also noticeable that the importance of travel declined dramatically in the second chart, while learning for property-related purposes and social contacts became considerably more significant.

In the first chart, travel was the leading reason, accounting for 33% of responses. Business and work was the second most common motivation, at 26%, followed by buying property overseas, at 18%. However, the pattern was considerably different among the reasons for the recent increase in language learning. Buying property overseas represented the largest proportion, at 34%, while business and work accounted for 19%. In contrast, travel made up only 3%, despite being the most common reason overall in the first chart.

The remaining categories represented relatively small proportions in both charts. Social contacts increased substantially from 7% in the first chart to 15% in the second, making it one of the more significant reasons for the recent growth. General interest changed only slightly, rising from 5% to 6%, while personal development decreased from 7% to 4%. Finally, having a foreign partner remained a minor factor, increasing marginally from 3% to 4%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview that highlights the main trends and differences between the two charts, such as the shift from travel to property-related reasons. The data is accurately selected and effectively grouped to support the main points. You have successfully compared the two charts rather than just listing the data, which is essential for a high band score. The information is well-organised, and the key features are clearly identified and illustrated with appropriate data points, such as the 33% for travel and the 34% for property overseas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from the introduction and overview to the detailed analysis of the first chart, then the second, and finally the minor categories. Cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'in contrast', and 'however' are used effectively to link ideas and contrast information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of the report. The flow is smooth, and the reader can easily follow the comparison between the two sets of data.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise description. Phrases such as 'accounted for the largest proportion', 'declined dramatically', and 'remained a minor factor' show a good command of academic language. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately throughout the report. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the range of terms used to describe trends (e.g., 'increased substantially', 'rising', 'decreased') is varied and appropriate for an IELTS Task 1 report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the opening complex sentence and the use of participial phrases (e.g., 'making it one of the more significant reasons'). Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no noticeable errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a sophisticated grasp of English grammar.

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

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