Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-07
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 the table illustrate the results of a survey conducted on library users at a university.
In general, the full time students constitutes the highest percentage of library users and the majority of users are satisfied with the library opening hours and helpfulness of staff.
The pie chart describes the category of library users including full-time undergraduate students contribute maximum percentage 44%. Second highest number of users are full time postgraduate students which contribute 25% and others are part-time postgraduate, distance learning ( all courses) and academic staff consisting 16%, 8% and 7% respectively.
The tables shows the satisfaction results by library users and this describes that the highest percentage of users are very satisfied-95% and fairly satisfied-5% with the helpfulness of the staff. Second most percentage of users are very satisfied-65% and fairly satisfies 35% with library opening hours. The most dis-satisfied users are with the availability of journals contributing non-satisfied 20% and 35% fairly 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
The response covers all parts of the task by summarizing the main features of both the pie chart and the table. You successfully identified the highest and lowest categories and made relevant comparisons. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, listing figures rather than synthesizing the data into a cohesive narrative. For instance, the description of the table is a bit repetitive in its structure. To reach a higher band, focus on grouping data more effectively and highlighting the most significant trends or contrasts rather than listing every percentage point. The overview provided in the second paragraph is a good start, but it could be more detailed regarding the specific satisfaction trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'In general', 'Second highest', and 'respectively', which help the reader follow the information. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally choppy. Some transitions are mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For example, the phrase 'The tables shows the satisfaction results by library users and this describes that...' is slightly clunky. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the overall coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have an adequate range of vocabulary to convey the information, such as 'illustrate', 'constitutes', and 'respectively'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and minor errors, such as 'most percentage of users' instead of 'highest percentage' and 'dis-satisfied' (which should be 'dissatisfied'). Additionally, 'contribute maximum percentage' is not idiomatic. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and adjectives related to data (e.g., 'account for', 'represent', 'a significant proportion') would help you achieve a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors. For example, 'the full time students constitutes' (subject-verb agreement error), 'The tables shows' (plural/singular mismatch), and 'fairly satisfies 35%' (incorrect verb form). There are also issues with article usage and prepositions, such as 'The pie chart describes the category of library users including full-time undergraduate students contribute'. These errors do not impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher band score. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage.
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.