Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-04
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The chart and table below show the results of a survey of library users at a university.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Categories of library users
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The pie chart and table illustrates the results of a survey of library users at a university, At a glance, the pie chart gives description of the categories of library users while table describes about the library user satisfaction.
Overall it is observed that the categories of pie chart are academic stuff, full-time undergraduate, full-time postgraduate, part-time postgraduate, distance learning respectively while the categories of the table are library opening hours, helpfulness of staff, availability of books, availability of journals, reliability of wi-fi respectively.
It is observed in the pie chart that most of the library users at a university is full-time undergraduate which is almost half while the full-time postgraduate users of library is 25%. The users of library at university which are part-time postgraduate, distance learning, academic staff are 16%, 8%, 7% respectively.
The table shows the library user satisfaction in which most of the users are satisfied by the helpfulness of the staff which is 95% and they are least satisfied by the availability of the journal which is 45%.
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 both the chart and the table. You have successfully identified the key categories and satisfaction levels. However, the analysis is somewhat descriptive and lacks deeper comparative insight. For instance, while you mention the percentages, you could have grouped the data more effectively to highlight trends, such as contrasting the high satisfaction with staff against the lower satisfaction with journals. The overview is present but could be more analytical by synthesising the data rather than just listing the figures. Overall, the task is addressed, but the development of the comparison is basic.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Overall' and 'It is observed in', to structure the report. However, the flow is occasionally mechanical, and the transition between the pie chart data and the table data could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, but the use of 'respectively' is slightly repetitive. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to convey the necessary information clearly. You use terms like 'categories', 'satisfaction', and 'availability' correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. For example, you use the phrase 'It is observed' twice in close proximity. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more varied reporting verbs and synonyms for 'users' or 'results' to demonstrate a more flexible control of language. There are no significant spelling errors, but the word choice remains quite basic.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are several grammatical errors that affect the quality of the writing. For example, 'The pie chart and table illustrates' should be 'illustrate' (subject-verb agreement), and 'most of the library users... is' should be 'are'. Additionally, there are punctuation issues, such as the comma splice in the first sentence ('...university, At a glance'). While you use some complex structures, they are often marred by these slips. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that your sentences are punctuated correctly to avoid run-on structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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