Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-25
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 categories of library users and their percentage whereas the table show library user satisfaction.
In the chart of library users full-time undergraduate have the highest percentage. In the table highest users are satisfied with the helpfulness of staff.
As the highest percentage of library users are of full-time undergraduate like 44% whereas the full-time graduate are slightly lower about 25% and part-time graduate percentage is 16% , distance learning students represent 8% while academic staff has the lowest percentage of 7%.
As in the table the 95% users are satisfied with the helpfulness of staff while 5% are fairly satisfied following this 65% are satisfied with opening time whereas 45 to 50% users are satisfied with the availability of books, journals and WiFi. Following this 33 to 40% users are fairly satisfied with opening hours and availability of journals, books and Wifi while 10 to 20% are not satisfied with the availability.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of both the chart and the table, but the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you successfully identify the highest and lowest categories, the comparison between the two data sets is limited. You have provided a clear overview, but the report lacks a cohesive synthesis of the information. To improve, ensure you group data more logically rather than simply listing figures. For instance, instead of just stating percentages, you could contrast the high satisfaction levels with the lower satisfaction regarding specific facilities. The summary is accurate but would benefit from more analytical depth to reach a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'As in the table' and 'Following this' are used frequently, which makes the flow feel a bit disjointed. To improve, try using a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases to connect your ideas more naturally. Additionally, ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence to guide the reader through your analysis of the different data sets.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but remains quite basic. You rely heavily on simple terms like 'highest', 'lowest', and 'percentage'. While these are accurate, they do not demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary. To improve, incorporate more precise academic terminology such as 'predominant', 'account for', 'constitute', or 'a significant proportion'. Additionally, ensure you use correct collocations; for example, instead of 'highest users are satisfied', use 'the majority of users expressed satisfaction'. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and adverbs will help elevate your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are several grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'the table show' should be 'the table shows' (subject-verb agreement), and 'full-time undergraduate have' should be 'full-time undergraduates have'. There are also issues with punctuation and article usage, such as 'in the chart of library users full-time undergraduate have'. To improve, focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and ensure that plural nouns are used correctly when referring to groups of people.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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