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 and line graph demonstrate information about the results of a survey of library users at a university. The data has been calibrated in percentages.
By having a cursory glance it is lucid that, in categories of library users 44 percent full time undergraduate and 25 percent full time postgraduate . However, according to he figure 16 percent past time postgraduate invest their time in libraries. After that, 8 and 7 percent distance learning and academic staff in libraries. Furthermore, in library opening hours 65 percent people are very satisfied and 35 percent fairly satisfied. Moreover, 95 percent of helpfulness of staff are very satisfied and just 5 percent are fairly satisfied.
Moving further ahead, it is vivid that, in availability of books 50 and 40 percent masses are satisfied and fairly satisfied and rest of 10 percent are not satisfied. However, in availability of journals 45 are very satisfied , 35 percent are fairly satisfied and 20 percent are not satisfied. Lastly, in reliability of wi-fi 48 percent are very satisfied and 33 percent are fairly satisfied and 19 percent are not satisfied.
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
You have identified the main features of the data, but the response lacks a clear overview, which is essential for a high band score. You have listed many figures without grouping them effectively or highlighting the most significant trends. For instance, you mention percentages for various user categories and satisfaction levels, but you do not compare these effectively or synthesize the information. To improve, ensure you provide a summary statement that captures the 'big picture'—such as the general high level of satisfaction across all categories—rather than just listing data points. Additionally, ensure all data is accurately transcribed; for example, you mention 'past time' instead of 'part-time'.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression is hindered by a repetitive structure, such as starting multiple sentences with 'in...'. The use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally awkward, such as 'Moving further ahead' or 'After that'. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus. The transition between the user categories and the satisfaction levels is abrupt, making the overall flow feel like a list of facts rather than a cohesive report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety required for higher bands. You rely heavily on basic terms like 'satisfied' and 'percent'. There are also some noticeable errors in word choice, such as 'past time' instead of 'part-time' and 'masses' to refer to survey respondents, which is not appropriate in this context. To improve, try to use a wider range of synonyms and more academic collocations. For example, instead of saying 'masses are satisfied', you could use 'a significant proportion of respondents expressed satisfaction'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and some complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, '95 percent of helpfulness of staff are very satisfied' is grammatically incorrect; it should be '95 percent of respondents were very satisfied with the helpfulness of staff'. Additionally, there are missing verbs and prepositions throughout, such as '45 are very satisfied' (missing 'percent' or a noun) and 'in categories of library users 44 percent full time undergraduate' (missing a verb). Focusing on subject-verb agreement and sentence completeness will significantly improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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