Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-19

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

Categories of library users

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The chart and table given demonstrate the data abut survey of various library users and their satisfaction level at a university.

Overall, it is evident that, full-time undergraduate are very satisfied with the availability of journals. Moreover, full-time postgraduates and part-time postgraduates are fairly satisfied, while distance learners and academic staff is least satisfied.

Examining the details, full-time undergraduates are completely satisfied with the library availability of journals, there satisfaction level is 44%. Furthermore, satisfaction percentage of full-time postgraduates is 25%, they are fairly satisfied with the reliability of wi-fi. Similarly, part-time postgraduates are also fairly satisfied by the library usage, they get reliable wi-fi only.

In comparison, distance learners of all courses use library and are least satisfied with the library facilities, they are 8% satisfied with the availability of books. Meanwhile, academic staff is also not very satisfied with the library usage

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.0
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.5
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified some main features, the analysis is incomplete and lacks a clear, comprehensive overview of the data provided in both the chart and the table. Several categories are mentioned, but the comparisons are underdeveloped and lack the necessary detail to fully address the prompt. To improve, ensure you cover all data points provided and provide a more thorough synthesis of the information rather than just listing isolated figures. The under-length nature of the response prevents a higher band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Moreover', 'Similarly', 'In comparison'). The progression of ideas is occasionally disjointed, particularly in the final paragraph where the sentence structure feels abrupt and incomplete. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that connects logically to the next. Improving the flow between sentences will help create a more cohesive and professional-sounding report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the range and precision required for a higher band. There are some errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'abut' instead of 'about' and 'there' instead of 'their'. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors like 'satisfied' and 'not very satisfied'. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more varied and precise terminology to describe data trends, such as 'proportion', 'fluctuation', or 'significant disparity', and ensure careful proofreading to avoid simple spelling and grammatical errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'full-time undergraduate are' should be 'full-time undergraduates are', and 'academic staff is least satisfied' should be 'academic staff are least satisfied'. Additionally, there are issues with punctuation and sentence fragments, such as the final sentence which ends abruptly. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that every sentence is complete. Practicing the use of complex sentences with correct punctuation will also help improve your accuracy and range.

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

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