Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-17

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 survey conducted of library users categories at a university. and accompanying table chart depicts proportion of user satisfaction.

In detail, full time undergraduates were accounted for the highest at 44%, compared to academic staff and distance learning (all courses) reported the lowest 7% and 8% respectively. Moreover, full-time post graduates registered at 25 %. and part-time recorded 16% only.

Regarding library user satisfaction, helpfulness of the staff experienced the highest satisfactory level, which marked 95% and fairly satisfied reported just 5% and in not satisfied section only 0% reported. Notably, the availability of journals and reliability of Wi-fi 45 and 48% noticed in vary satisfied, 35% and 33 % measured in fairly satisfied section, and not satisfied recorded 20 % and 19 % respectively. Furthermore, availability of books experienced 50% very satisfied, fairly satisfied registered 40 %, however not satisfied reported only 10%. Lastly, in the library opening hours, 65% marked for vary satisfied and fairly satisfied registered 35% with 0% not satisfied users.

Overall, full-time undergraduates were the highest users compared to academic staff and distance learning. While, full-time postgraduates were second significant visitors. In library user satisfaction, according to helpfulness of the staff received the highest satisfactory level. Whereas, availability of journals and books experienced the lowest satisfactory level .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task, providing a clear overview of both the user categories and the satisfaction levels. You successfully identified the main features, such as the dominance of full-time undergraduates and the high satisfaction with staff helpfulness. However, the report could be improved by better integration of the data. For instance, when describing satisfaction, you listed percentages without always clearly linking them to the categories (e.g., '45 and 48% noticed in vary satisfied'). A more analytical approach, comparing the categories more fluidly rather than just listing figures, would elevate the response. Overall, the main trends are accurately reported.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each data set, and a summary. You use some cohesive devices like 'Moreover,' 'Regarding,' and 'Furthermore' to guide the reader. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by awkward phrasing and punctuation errors, such as the sentence fragment 'and accompanying table chart depicts...' and the repetitive structure in the final paragraph. The use of referencing is generally clear, but the transition between the two data sets could be smoother to ensure a more cohesive progression of ideas throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion,' 'registered,' and 'satisfactory level.' However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and minor errors, such as 'vary satisfied' instead of 'very satisfied' and 'survey conducted of library users categories' which is slightly unnatural. You also rely on repetitive phrasing when describing the data. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise collocations and avoiding spelling errors. Expanding your range of reporting verbs and adjectives would also help to make the description more sophisticated.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt to use complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'full time undergraduates were accounted for the highest' (should be 'accounted for the largest proportion') and 'in not satisfied section only 0% reported.' Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary periods mid-sentence. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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