Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-18
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 library users in five categories at a university. The table shows the satisfaction level of the library users.
Overall, looking at the pie chart full-time undergraduate percentage is highest and academic staff is the lowest. The table demonstrates the users satisfaction rating is highest from helpfulness of staff and the lowest satisfaction rating given for availability of journals.
It can be seen from the pie chart, full time graduates are highest users with made up 44%. The second largest users are the full time post graduates with 25%. Followed by this, part-time postgraduates users percentage is 16%. Distance learners and the academic staff are the least comprised smallest proportion group which uses library with at 8% and 7% respectively.
Regarding the table, the highest satisfaction rating is 95%, fairly satisfied is 5%, and with no users reported for the staff help. Contrast to this the users lowest rating is seen in the availability of journals with 45%, fairly satisfied is 35% and not satisfied with 20%. The rating for availability of book and the reliability of wi-fi, both are around 50% by the users. And Library opening hours are rated very satisfied with 65%, fairly satisfied is 35%, and no reporters for not satisfied.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
You have successfully identified the main features of both the chart and the table. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with relevant data. However, there are some inaccuracies in your reporting. For instance, you stated that 'full-time graduates' are the highest users at 44%, but the chart labels them as 'full-time undergraduates'. Additionally, your description of the table data is slightly confusing; you mention 'no users reported for the staff help' when the table actually shows a 95% satisfaction rate. To improve, ensure you carefully cross-reference your summary with the provided data to avoid misinterpretation of the labels and figures.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the chart and table respectively. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Regarding the table' and 'Contrast to this' to link ideas. However, some transitions are mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'Followed by this, part-time postgraduates users percentage is 16%'. The flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the progression of ideas is smoother. Overall, the structure is clear and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information, using terms like 'proportion', 'satisfaction rating', and 'respectively'. However, there are some issues with word choice and collocation. For example, 'least comprised smallest proportion group' is redundant and grammatically awkward. You also use 'no reporters' instead of 'no respondents' or 'no users'. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensuring that your collocations are natural. Avoid repeating the same structures when describing percentages.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'full-time undergraduate percentage is highest' (missing an article), 'users lowest rating is seen' (missing an apostrophe), and 'both are around 50% by the users' (awkward passive construction). There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and article usage. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on proofreading for basic articles and possessives will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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