Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The pie chart and table chart illustrates the whole of a survey of library users at a university.

Overall, it can be clearly seen that in full time undergraduate categories of library user in highest part of pie chart. And table chart average user categories in very satisfied.

In pie chart noticeable highest categories was full time undergraduate of 44% while lowest categories of library user in distance learning (all courses) of 8%. Academic staff and distance learning both were lowest categories in library user. Part-time postgraduate was almost twice as large as distance learning. Full-time postgraduate of 25% part of library.

In table chart significant highest part in helpfulness of staff of 95 in very satisfied.and lowest categories was 45 in av

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified some key features of the data, such as the highest and lowest categories in the pie chart, the analysis is incomplete. You have not fully compared the data or provided a comprehensive summary of the table. The information provided is fragmented, and the failure to reach the word count means the task is only partially addressed. To improve, ensure you cover all parts of the prompt and provide a more detailed analysis of the data points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is weak. The use of cohesive devices is very limited and often inaccurate, such as starting sentences with 'And table chart'. The progression of ideas is disjointed, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the categories. To improve, use a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'In contrast', 'Furthermore', 'Consequently') to connect your ideas more smoothly and ensure each paragraph has a clear focus.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive, relying heavily on the words provided in the prompt. There are significant issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'table chart' instead of 'table' and 'in highest part of pie chart' which is grammatically awkward. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to express comparisons or trends precisely. To improve, try to use a variety of synonyms and more sophisticated reporting verbs, such as 'account for', 'represent', or 'constitute', rather than repeating 'categories' or 'lowest'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including missing articles ('in highest part'), incorrect verb forms ('chart illustrates' vs 'charts illustrate'), and incomplete sentence structures. The response lacks complex sentence structures, relying almost entirely on simple, error-prone sentences. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of full stops. To improve, focus on basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Practice constructing complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions like 'although' or 'while' to improve your grammatical range.

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

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