Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-14

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 give charts illustrate information about categories of library users. They compare the data presented in the pie chart and the table over the given period.

Overall, it is evident the noticeable changes can be change can be observed in both charts, while some categories experienced a significant increase, others showed a decline. Furthermore, Full-time undergraduate users recorded the highest figure, whereas Academic staff had the lowest value through the period.

according to the library users, Full-time undergraduate users increased at 44%, Similarly, Full-time postgraduate students decreased from 25%. Meanwhile, Part-time postgraduate students recorded the proportion of 16%, while Distance learning (all courses) remained the lowest figure for 8%. In addition, Academic staff recorded the least proportion of 7% among all the categories shown in the first chart.

Turning to the Satisfaction user by library, Reliability of Wi-Fi used to figure for very satisfied 48%, and 33% fairly satisfied, and not satisfied 19%, whereas Helpfulness of staff represented very satisfied highest figure for 95%, and fairly satisfied the least for 5%. while Library opening hours made up higher proportion of 65%, and fairly satisfied figure for 35%, In contrast, Availability of books and journals had smallest proportion very satisfied for 50%, and 45%, Fairly satisfied figure for 40%-35%, while not satisfied proportion of 10%, and 20%, respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the data, including the categories of users and the satisfaction levels. However, the analysis is hampered by significant inaccuracies in data interpretation. For instance, you describe the user categories as having 'increased' or 'decreased', yet the chart provides a static snapshot of proportions, not a trend over time. Additionally, the description of the satisfaction table is confusing; the figures provided for 'Availability of books and journals' are mathematically unclear and do not accurately reflect the data presented. While you attempt to report the main features, the misinterpretation of the data type and the lack of clarity in comparing the satisfaction metrics prevent a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices like 'Overall', 'Furthermore', and 'In contrast' to link ideas. However, the flow is often disrupted by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. For example, the transition between the user categories and the satisfaction table is abrupt. Some sentences are repetitive or lack logical connection, such as the final sentence regarding the availability of books, which is difficult to follow due to the jumbled presentation of percentages. Improving the use of referencing and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'significant increase', and 'recorded'. However, there are frequent errors in word choice and collocation that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'Satisfaction user by library' is an unnatural heading, and 'used to figure for' is an incorrect collocation. You also struggle with precision when describing data, often using 'figure' or 'proportion' in ways that are slightly off-target. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure that your terminology matches the specific data points you are describing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the noticeable changes can be change can be observed'), incorrect preposition usage (e.g., 'increased at 44%'), and awkward sentence construction. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas in the final paragraph, which makes the text harder to read. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence structure limits the score. Focusing on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and correct prepositional phrases would be beneficial.

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