Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-27

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 8.5)

The pie chart illustrates the proportions of different categories of users of a university library, while the table shows the results of a survey concerning their satisfaction with five aspects of the library.

Overall, full-time undergraduates constituted by far the largest group of library users, whereas academic staff accounted for the smallest proportion. In terms of satisfaction, the helpfulness of staff received the most positive ratings, while the availability of journals and the reliability of Wi-Fi had comparatively higher levels of dissatisfaction.

Full-time undergraduates represented 44% of all library users, followed by full-time postgraduates at 25%. Part-time postgraduates accounted for a further 16%, while distance-learning students made up 8%. Academic staff were the smallest category, comprising just 7% of users. Therefore, undergraduate students alone accounted for almost half of all library users.

Regarding satisfaction, the helpfulness of staff was rated most positively, with 95% of respondents being very satisfied and the remaining 5% fairly satisfied. Library opening hours also received favourable ratings, as 65% of users were very satisfied and 35% fairly satisfied, meaning that nobody was dissatisfied with this aspect.

The availability of books received 50% very satisfied and 40% fairly satisfied responses, while 10% were not satisfied. The figures for journals were less positive, with 45% being very satisfied, 35% fairly satisfied and 20% dissatisfied. Similarly, 48% of users were very satisfied with Wi-Fi reliability, compared with 33% who were fairly satisfied and 19% who were not satisfied. Thus, journals and Wi-Fi were the two areas that generated the highest levels of dissatisfaction.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all key features of the data, including the breakdown of user categories and the comparative satisfaction levels. Your overview is clear and effectively synthesises the main trends, such as the dominance of undergraduates and the contrast between high staff helpfulness and lower satisfaction with journals and Wi-Fi. You have used data accurately to support your points throughout the report, ensuring all parts of the prompt are addressed comprehensively. The information is well-selected and logically presented, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'whereas', 'in terms of', 'regarding', and 'similarly', which help the reader follow the argument without difficulty. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two distinct data sets (user categories and satisfaction levels). The transition between the introduction, the overview, and the detailed body paragraphs is smooth and professional. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking, and the structure is entirely coherent.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the task. Phrases such as 'constituted by far the largest group', 'accounted for', 'comprising just', and 'generated the highest levels of dissatisfaction' show a sophisticated control of language. The word choices are precise and natural, contributing to the clarity of the report. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or collocation, and the vocabulary is consistently appropriate for an academic context. You have successfully used a range of topic-specific terminology to describe the data accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

Your control of grammar is highly impressive. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses and comparative constructions, with full accuracy. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few that are complex are handled with great precision. The use of passive voice where appropriate (e.g., 'was rated most positively') is well-integrated and adds to the formal tone of the report.

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