Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-03
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 with the table illustrates a university survey result of a library user.
Overall, the pie chart provides the categories of library users, while the table gives us the data on user satisfaction in percentage.
The types of people using the library is divided among six categories: full-time undergraduate students, which dominated the field by 44%, that is followed by full-time postgraduates with a 25% whereas, part-time postgraduates hold a 16% which is significantly higher than the last two categories, distance learning and academic staff with a around 10%.
Through the survey, the table shows us that people were highly satisfied with the opening hours and helping staff. In contrast to that people were not quite very satisfied with the availability of journals, same for reliability of Wi=Fi
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main features of the pie chart, the description of the table is underdeveloped. You mention satisfaction levels but fail to provide specific data points or make meaningful comparisons between the categories and their respective satisfaction ratings. To improve, ensure you include specific figures from the table to support your observations and extend your analysis to cover all parts of the prompt thoroughly. The current summary is too brief to fully address the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized into three short paragraphs, which is a logical structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. Transitions such as 'In contrast to that' are used, but the overall flow between sentences is disjointed. The final sentence is incomplete and lacks a proper concluding thought, which affects the overall coherence. To improve, try to use a wider range of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that connects smoothly to the next. Improving the logical progression of ideas will help the reader follow your analysis more effectively.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision expected at higher bands. Phrases like 'dominated the field' and 'not quite very satisfied' are somewhat informal or imprecise. There are also minor errors, such as 'Wi=Fi' (typo) and the phrasing 'a around 10%'. To achieve a higher score, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary to describe trends and data, such as 'accounted for', 'constituted', or 'fluctuated'. Expanding your range of synonyms and ensuring accurate collocations will significantly enhance the quality of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are several grammatical inaccuracies that hinder clarity. For example, 'The pie chart with the table illustrates a university survey result of a library user' is awkward; it should be 'results of a survey of library users'. Additionally, 'that is followed by' and 'same for reliability' are grammatically incomplete or poorly connected. There are also punctuation issues, such as the missing period at the end of the final sentence. Focus on subject-verb agreement and ensuring that all sentences are complete and correctly punctuated to improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.