Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-05
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 percentages of library users according to different categories. The table demonstrates the results of a survey of the library regarding the five aspects of the library, showing the percentages of those who were very satisfied, fairly satisfied, and not satisfied.
Overall, it is evident that full-time undergraduate library users accounted for the highest percentage, while academic staff recorded the lowest percentage of library users. In addition, a large number of library users were very satisfied with the helpfulness of the staff, whereas a minority were not satisfied with the availability of books.
In detail, full-time undergraduate library users accounted for 44%. In contrast, full-time postgraduate visitors made up 25%, while part-time postgraduate visitors represented 16%. Distance learning and academic staff users showed 8% and 7% of library users, respectively. Regarding to the opening hours, 65% library visitors were very satisfied, 35% were fairly satisfied, and none dissatisfied. As for the helpfulness of staff, 95% library members were very satisfied, 5% were fairly satisfied and zero not satisfied. Concerning to the availability of books, 50% of library users were very satisfied, 49% were fairly satisfied, and 10% not satisfied. According to the availability of journals, 45% were very satisfied, 35% were fairly satisficed and 20% not satisfied. Finally, in terms of reliability of wi-fi, 48% of users were very satisfied, 33% were fairly satisfied, and 19% not satisfied.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| 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 is a significant mathematical error in your analysis of the 'availability of books' category: you stated that 10% were not satisfied, but the provided data (50% very satisfied + 49% fairly satisfied) equals 99%, implying 1% were not satisfied, not 10%. Accuracy in reporting data is crucial for Task Achievement. Additionally, ensure you always double-check your calculations against the source material to avoid misrepresenting the facts.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast,' 'Regarding to,' and 'Concerning to' to guide the reader. However, some of these transitions are slightly mechanical or grammatically awkward. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the two data sources. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that the transition between sentences feels more natural rather than just listing statistics.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'accounted for,' 'represented,' and 'respectively.' There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'Regarding to' and 'Concerning to,' which should simply be 'Regarding' or 'Concerning.' You also have a spelling error ('satisficed'). To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'satisfied' or 'users' to avoid repetition and demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most of your sentences are clear, though there are some grammatical slips, such as '65% library visitors' (should be '65% of library visitors') and the aforementioned preposition errors. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on consistent use of articles and prepositions to improve the overall accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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