Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-05

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 compares the information of a survey results of the university's library users. there are different categories of library users.

which are Academic staff, distance learning, part-time post graduates, Full-time post graduates lastly full-time undergraduates in library.

making the different categories on the basis of library's users satisfaction. the table demonstrates the satisfaction levels of the library users with different percentages given.

The library satisfaction percentages are library opening hours (very satisfied are 65%), (fairly satisfied are 35%) and ( not satisfied are 0%).

furthermore the helpfulness of staff ( very satisfied are 95%) , fairly satisfied are 5%) , and ( not satisfied are 0%) then availability of journals are (very satisfied are 45%), (fairly satisfied are 35%) and ( not satisfied are 0%). and than availability of books (very satisfied are 50%), (fairly satisfied are 40%) and ( not satisfied are 10%). lastly the reliability of wi-fi (very satisfied are 48%), (fairly satisfied are 33%) and ( not satisfied are 19%).

and the users who are satisfied percentage is Academic staff (7%), distance learning(8%), part-time post graduates(16%), Full-time post graduates(25%) lastly full-time undergraduates(44%).

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the data, including the breakdown of library users and the satisfaction levels across different categories. However, the report lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant trends, which is a requirement for a high band score. The information is presented as a list of data points rather than a cohesive analytical summary. While all parts of the prompt are addressed, the lack of synthesis and comparison between the categories and satisfaction levels limits the effectiveness of the response. To improve, you should group related data and highlight key differences or similarities rather than listing every figure provided in the table.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response lacks logical paragraphing, which makes it difficult to follow. The text is essentially one long paragraph, and the transition between the two distinct data sets (the pie chart and the table) is abrupt. Cohesive devices are used in a very mechanical and repetitive way, such as the frequent use of 'and' and 'lastly'. There is no clear progression of ideas; the information is presented in a fragmented manner. To improve, you should use separate paragraphs for the introduction, the overview, and the detailed body paragraphs, and employ a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. You rely heavily on basic terms like 'percentages', 'satisfied', and 'users'. There is little attempt to use more sophisticated or varied vocabulary to describe the data, such as 'proportion', 'majority', 'minority', or 'levels of contentment'. Furthermore, there are errors in word choice and phrasing, such as 'compares the information of a survey results'. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of lexical variety and the presence of basic errors prevent a higher score. Expanding your vocabulary to include synonyms and more precise academic terminology will significantly improve your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors, particularly regarding sentence structure, punctuation, and capitalization. Many sentences are fragmented or run-on, such as 'which are Academic staff... in library.' There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the control over basic grammar is inconsistent. For example, the use of 'and than' instead of 'and then' and the inconsistent use of parentheses for data points disrupt the flow. To improve, focus on writing complete, grammatically correct sentences and practice using a variety of complex structures, such as relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions, while ensuring your punctuation is accurate.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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