Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-02
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 overall information displayed on chart and table demonstrates the categories of library users and the data of satisfied users of the library.
According to the chart the list of individuals that are using the facility of library incudes, academic staff which are least in number then comes the full-time undergraduate that avail the most of facility around 44% of total. Afterwards full-time postgraduates are on the list with number of 25%. Then comes the part-time postgraduates which are greater in number than distance learning by percentage of 16 from total. At last, distance learning acquire the category just one percent above from academic staff.
Now moving towards the table, the number of users that are not satisfied from library opening hours as well as helpfulness of staff is zero. Adding the users that are greater in fairly satisfaction list from the table are ones with availability of the books issue with number of 40. The ratio of very satisfied users in availability of journals and wifi is nearly same with minimal difference of only three persons.
By concluding the comparison we actually saw that users list include multiple departments. whereas, user satisfaction is combination of all department people to specific outcomes.
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 the chart and table, but the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you correctly identify the proportions of user categories, the description of the table data is confusing. For instance, stating that the number of users not satisfied is 'zero' is a misinterpretation of the data provided in the table. Furthermore, the comparison between categories lacks precision; phrases like 'one percent above from academic staff' are vague. To improve, ensure you accurately extract and compare specific data points rather than providing a general summary. The overview is present but could be more clearly linked to the significant trends observed in the data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the flow between sentences is often mechanical and sometimes lacks logical progression. For example, the transition 'Now moving towards the table' is a bit abrupt. The use of cohesive devices is limited and occasionally repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'then comes' or 'the list of'. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas more fluidly, and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus that supports the overall summary.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher levels. You rely on basic phrasing such as 'least in number' and 'greater in number'. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'avail the most of facility' and 'not satisfied from library opening hours' (should be 'with'). To improve, try to incorporate more academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'constitute', 'account for', or 'marginal difference'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help you avoid repetitive phrasing and demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the language.
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. Issues include missing articles ('on chart and table'), incorrect preposition usage ('satisfied from'), and awkward sentence construction ('distance learning acquire the category'). Subject-verb agreement is also inconsistent, such as 'users list include'. While the meaning is generally understandable, these errors are frequent enough to affect the overall quality. Focusing on basic sentence structure, article usage, and subject-verb agreement will significantly improve your accuracy and help you achieve a higher band score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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