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 illustrates the proportion of groups of library users and the table chart gives information about satisfaction of library user.
Overall, in pie chart, the expenditure of full time undergraduates is greater than the expenditure of academic staffs. In table chart, it is devided in three parts (very satisfied, fairly satisfied and not satisfied). The percentage of very satisfied library users are greater than as compared to other categories of satisfaction.
In terms of pie chart, the expenditure of full time undergraduates is less than two fifth. While, the proportion of full time postgraduates is a quarter, the percentage of part time postgraduates is more than a fifth. Likewise, distance learning (all courses) is one ten, academic staff percentages are also one ten.
In contrast, in the table chart, for library opening hours, 65% are very satisfied, 35% are fairly satisfied, and 0% are not satisfied. On the other hand, for helpfulness of staff, 95% are very satisfied, 5% are fairly satisfied, and 0% are not satisfied. For availability of books, 50% are very satisfied, 40% are fairly satisfied, and 10% are not satisfied. For availability of journals, 45% are very satisfied, 35% are fairly satisfied, and 20% are not satisfied. Finally, for reliability, 48% are very satisfied, 33% are fairly satisfied, and 19% are not satisfied.
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
You have successfully identified the main features of both the pie chart and the table. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with relevant data. However, there are some inaccuracies in your interpretation of the data. For instance, you refer to 'expenditure' when the chart clearly labels the categories as 'library users'. Additionally, describing 'one ten' is grammatically awkward and imprecise. To improve, ensure you accurately label the data categories and use more precise language when describing fractions or proportions. While you covered all parts of the task, the analysis remains somewhat descriptive rather than analytical, which limits the score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs for each data source. You use some cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'On the other hand', and 'Likewise' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally mechanical, and some transitions feel repetitive. The referencing is generally clear, but the structure within the paragraphs could be more fluid. To reach a higher band, focus on varying your cohesive devices and ensuring that the progression of ideas between sentences is smoother and less reliant on simple listing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'satisfaction', and 'categories'. However, there are some noticeable errors in word choice, such as using 'expenditure' instead of 'proportion' or 'percentage'. The phrase 'one ten' is also non-standard. You rely on basic descriptors and could benefit from using more sophisticated synonyms to describe trends or data points. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'it is devided in three parts' (spelling and preposition error), 'The percentage of very satisfied library users are greater' (subject-verb agreement error), and 'academic staff percentages are also one ten' (awkward phrasing). While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct preposition usage, and proofreading for basic spelling mistakes.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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