Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The given pie chart illustrates the categories of library users and the table shows the inhabitants satisfaction level.

Overall, pie chart shows the highest ratio of full-time undergraduates and the lowest proportion of academic staff. While ,the table describe the maximum number of satisfied users by helpfulness of staff and minimum number by availability of journals.

In the chart, the full-time undergraduate shows the percentage of 44 which is higher than full-time 25 and part-time of 16 postgraduate. Whereas, academic staff shows the least percentage of 7 which is lower than distance learning with ratio of 8.

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 task achievement. Because the response is only 97 words, the information is presented in a very truncated manner. While you have identified some main features, such as the highest and lowest categories, the analysis is underdeveloped. You have not provided a comprehensive summary of the table data, and the lack of length prevents a full comparison of the survey results. To improve, ensure you cover all parts of the prompt, including a more detailed breakdown of the table data, and aim to reach the minimum word count to allow for sufficient development of your points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into three short paragraphs, which is a logical structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical or awkward, such as 'While ,the table describe' and 'Whereas, academic staff shows'. The progression of ideas is somewhat disjointed due to the brevity of the text. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect your sentences and ideas more naturally. Ensure that your paragraphing is clear and that each paragraph has a distinct focus, which will help the reader follow your analysis more easily.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The range of vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'shows', 'highest', and 'lowest'. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'inhabitants satisfaction level' (the prompt refers to library users, not inhabitants) and 'ratio' used where 'percentage' or 'proportion' would be more accurate. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to data description, such as 'account for', 'constitute', 'the vast majority', or 'a marginal proportion'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help you avoid repetition and improve the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are several grammatical errors throughout the text that affect clarity. For example, 'the table describe' should be 'the table describes' (subject-verb agreement), and 'the full-time undergraduate shows the percentage of 44' is awkward phrasing. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas, such as 'While ,the table'. You have used mostly simple sentence structures. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and punctuation rules. Additionally, try to incorporate a mix of complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions, to demonstrate a wider grammatical range.

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

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