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 results of a survey of library users at a university were illustrated in the pie chart and table chart.

Overall, it can be seen that, full-time undergraduate had the highest percentage of library users, whereas, full-time postgraduate recorded the lowest. Moreover, helpfulness of staff increased significantly for very satisfied, while, reliability of wi-fi remained stable for satisfied.

Regarding the higher percentages, full-time undergraduate was accounted for 44% compared with full-time postgraduate, which was around 25%. Meanwhile, part-time postgraduate was represented for 16% of library users, which was lower than academic staff. In comparison, distance learning(all subjects) and academic staff stayed the same 8% in library users.

Touring to the remaining satisfied categories, Library opening hours recorded 65% very satisfied, followed by fairly satisfied and non satisfied at 35% to 0%. In addition, reliability of wi-fi and availability of journals were approximately 48% to 45 very satisfied , while, fairly satisfied and no satisfied were around 35% to 20% respectively. Helpfulness of staff stood at 95% very satisfied rather than fairly satisfied was 5%. Finally, availability of books were around 50% to 40% very and fairly satisfied then no satisfied.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the data, such as the highest and lowest user categories and the satisfaction levels. However, the report lacks precision in data presentation. For instance, stating 'availability of books were around 50% to 40%' is vague and does not accurately reflect the specific data points provided in the table. Additionally, some comparisons are confusing, such as the mention of 'non satisfied' at 0% without clear context. To improve, ensure that every figure mentioned is accurate and that comparisons are clearly linked to the specific categories being discussed. The overview is present but could be more analytical.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices like 'Moreover', 'Meanwhile', and 'In comparison' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally disrupted by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions, such as 'Touring to the remaining satisfied categories', which is not a standard academic transition. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to determine exactly which data point corresponds to which category. Improving the variety and precision of your linking words will help create a smoother progression of information throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'percentage', 'survey', and 'satisfied'. However, there are several instances of inaccurate word choice and collocation. For example, 'was accounted for 44%' should be 'accounted for 44%', and 'represented for 16%' is grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, the phrase 'non satisfied' is not standard; 'dissatisfied' would be more appropriate. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, the frequent errors in word choice and the lack of more sophisticated, precise terminology limit the score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'full-time undergraduate had', 'availability of books were') and incorrect preposition usage (e.g., 'represented for'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma placement. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic sentence construction and ensuring subjects and verbs agree will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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