Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-09
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 given piechart and and table demonstrates about library user at a university.
Overall, the piechart shows a highest percentage of undergraduate students that use university library and a minimum percentage of users that are academic staff and distance learning students. Additionally, the table shows the users satisfaction level that is very satisfied, fairly satisfied and not satisfied. The maximum level of 95% that is related to helpfulness of staff and a minimum percentage of about 5% which shows fairly satisfied users.
The piechart illustrates that the full-time undergraduate students cover a maximum percentage of 44% following the full-time postgraduates and part-time students that shows 25% and 16% respectively. The least percentage is shown by distance learning and academic staff that is 8% and 7%.
The table shows the maximum percentage of helpfulness of staff that is 95 and 5% are fairly satisfied and is followed by library opening hours and availablity of books that shows a very satisfied proportion of users to be 65% and 45%. The maximum percentage of not satisfied users is 20% and a minimum is 10%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| 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 categories of users and the satisfaction levels. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, simply listing percentages rather than making meaningful comparisons. For instance, you mention the percentages for staff and distance learners but do not explicitly contrast them with the dominant undergraduate group. To reach a higher band, focus on grouping data to highlight trends or significant differences, such as noting that while staff helpfulness is rated highly, other areas like book availability show lower satisfaction. The overview is present but could be more analytical.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use basic cohesive devices like 'Additionally' and 'followed by' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally repetitive, and some transitions feel mechanical. The referencing is sometimes unclear; for example, in the final paragraph, the sentence 'The maximum percentage of not satisfied users is 20% and a minimum is 10%' lacks context regarding which categories these figures refer to. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear reference to the data sources would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to convey the basic information. You use terms like 'percentage', 'proportion', and 'satisfaction level' correctly. However, the range is limited and there are some awkward collocations, such as 'demonstrates about' (demonstrates/shows) and 'cover a maximum percentage of'. There is also a lack of variety in reporting verbs and descriptors. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'account for', 'constitute', or 'the vast majority'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. For example, 'The given piechart and and table demonstrates' contains a double 'and' and a subject-verb agreement error (should be 'demonstrate'). There are also issues with articles and prepositions, such as 'use university library' (use the university library) and 'shows 25% and 16% respectively' (show). While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the data, they are frequent enough to limit the score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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