Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-20

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 categorized the liberary usersat a university during their studies.

The large numbers of students who used liberary are full time undergraduate and followed by second largest portion is for full time postgraduate students who utilise library. After that at the the third who nvest their time in library are part time postgraduate individual and the students from distance learning program spent their less time in library by 8% students and at last but not least academic staff joined them by 7%

If we calculate the percentage l, full time undergraduates are 44% followed by 25% of full time postgraduate students who invest their time in library. Part time postgradutes are in the middle they are less in amount by 16 % who visited library.

In conclusion full time undergraduates an full time post graduates students are more interested to study in library than the others in amount.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the chart, identifying the largest and smallest categories. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and lacks a clear overview. While you mention the percentages, the reporting is repetitive and lacks a sophisticated comparison between the groups. The data presentation is also slightly inaccurate in places; for instance, you state that part-time postgraduates are 'in the middle' at 16%, but the chart shows academic staff and distance learners are smaller groups. To improve, ensure you group data logically and provide a clear summary statement that highlights the most significant trends rather than just listing figures.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite mechanical and sometimes awkward, such as 'at the the third who nvest their time' and 'at last but not least'. The progression of ideas is somewhat disjointed, particularly in the second paragraph where the transition between categories feels forced. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect sentences more naturally, and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'the others') is clear and precise.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with frequent spelling errors such as 'liberary' (library), 'categorized' (categorises), and 'postgradutes'. You rely heavily on basic phrasing like 'large numbers of' and 'invest their time'. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of variety and the persistent spelling mistakes prevent a higher score. You should aim to use more precise academic vocabulary to describe data, such as 'proportion', 'segment', or 'account for', and pay closer attention to spelling accuracy in your final review.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('The pie chart categorized', 'students... spent their less time') and awkward sentence construction. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing commas and incorrect spacing. While you attempt some complex sentences, they are often marred by errors that occasionally impede the flow of reading. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence structures, ensuring correct verb tenses, and proofreading for minor slips in articles and prepositions.

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

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