Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-01

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 students in Britain learn foreign languages, according to teachers, and the proportions of teachers who reported a recent increase in learners for each reason.

Overall, travel was the most common reason for learning a foreign language, while buying property overseas showed the most significant recent increase. By contrast, learning for a foreign partner remained one of the least common reasons.

According to the first chart, 33% of teachers reported travel as the main reason for learning a foreign language. This was followed by business or work, at 26%, and buying property overseas, at 19%. Social contacts and personal development each accounted for 7%, while general interest represented 5%. Only 3% of teachers identified having a foreign partner as the main reason.

The second chart shows that 34% of teachers reported a recent increase in students learning to buy property overseas. Business or work and social contacts accounted for 19% and 15%, respectively. A further 15% reported no change. General interest represented 6%, while personal development and having a foreign partner each stood at 4%. Interestingly, only 3% reported an increase related to travel.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response covers all parts of the prompt well, providing a clear overview and effectively reporting key data from both charts. The main features are appropriately selected and highlighted, such as travel being the most common reason and buying property overseas showing the largest recent increase. The figures cited are accurate according to the visual data provided. To reach the highest band, the response could offer a slightly deeper synthesis or comparison between the two charts rather than listing the data sequentially, though the current level of development is strong and fully satisfies the requirements for this band.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The report demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is well-sequenced, starting with an introductory statement, followed by a concise overall summary, and then detailed paragraphs for each chart. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate different aspects of the visual data. Cohesive devices such as 'By contrast', 'According to the first chart', and 'The second chart shows' are managed well to guide the reader smoothly through the text without being obtrusive. Referencing is consistently clear and effective.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The vocabulary used is sufficient and appropriate for an academic report, demonstrating a good range of functional language such as 'illustrate', 'proportions', 'accounted for', and 'represented'. Less common lexical items and phrasing are handled with reasonable precision. Word choice and collocation are generally natural, allowing the message to be communicated fluently. Minor polishing in lexical precision could elevate the writing further, but the current range comfortably supports the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

A wide variety of complex sentence structures is used effectively throughout the text, demonstrating excellent control over grammar and punctuation. The majority of sentences are error-free, and clauses are joined smoothly with appropriate subordination and coordination. Verb tenses are handled correctly when describing past survey data and proportions. Punctuation is accurate, and minor slips are virtually non-existent, reflecting a high level of grammatical proficiency that supports seamless reading.

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