Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-12
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 pie chart provided the information about various categories of library users.
Overall, the comparison between types of library users is quite satisfactory. The pie chart illustrates the various percentages of library used by academic staff, distance learning, part-time postgraduate, full-time postgraduate and full-time undergraduate students.
The highest percentage of library is used by full-time undergraduate students about 44% as compared to other ones and then, 25% by full-time postgraduate students follow up 16% library is used by part-time postgraduate students and 8% by distance learning and lastly, 7% by academic staff. The satisfactory rate from the provided table vary between library opening hours, helpfulness of staff, availability of books, availability of journals and reliability of wi-fi.
In conclusion, the satisfactory rate of library opening hours and helpfulness of staff is highly satisfied so, it sounds good. Besides, students and staff have fully access on the library that proves beneficial for them.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response addresses the task by summarizing the pie chart, but it fails to effectively integrate the table data. While the pie chart data is listed, the table information is mentioned only in a vague, summary-like manner without providing the specific figures or comparing them to the user categories. The overview is weak, as it does not clearly highlight the main trends or significant differences between the groups. To improve, you must report the specific data points from the table and ensure that the relationship between user categories and their satisfaction levels is clearly articulated, rather than just listing percentages.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by repetitive phrasing and a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices. Transitions between sentences are often mechanical, such as 'and then' or 'and lastly'. The concluding paragraph introduces new information about 'access to the library' which was not present in the prompt, making the conclusion feel disconnected from the data provided. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') and ensure that each paragraph focuses on a clear, distinct aspect of the data without introducing external information.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'percentage of library is used by' are inaccurate; it would be more precise to say 'percentage of library users'. There is also a lack of variety in reporting verbs and descriptive language. Some word choices are awkward, such as 'satisfactory rate' instead of 'satisfaction levels'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to data analysis, such as 'account for', 'constitute', 'a significant proportion', and 'fluctuate'. Avoid repeating the same sentence structures when describing the data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'full-time postgraduate students follow up 16% library is used by' is syntactically confusing. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and preposition usage, such as 'have fully access on the library'. While you attempt some complex structures, they are often inaccurate. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and ensuring correct word order. Practice using relative clauses and passive voice correctly to describe data, as these are essential for Academic Task 1 responses.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.