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 table illustrates the results of a library users and their satisfaction criteria.
Overall, full time graduates accord the highest proportion followed by the helpfulness of that staff has the highest satisfactory percentage.
From the pie chart 44% were full time graduates who accord the highest proportion from the overall categories. 25% were full time graduates that has the second highest percentage while 16% were part-time postgraduates and them the distance learning and the academic staff followed by the proportion of 8% and 7% the lowest range of the pie chart.
Table describes the satisfactory average of the library users. 95% were highly satisfied by the helpfulness of the staff while 5% were fairly satisfied. Moreover, 45% were those who were fully satisfied by those who were satisfied with the availability of journals then 35% were fairly and 20% were dissatisfied by that category. From the library opening hours no one were dissatisfied thus 35% were fairly but 65% fully satisfied. Furthermore, the availability of books contained an equal proportion from 50% satisfied while 40% were average satisfied and 10% were not satisfied. Rest of the reliability of wi-fi had 48% were satisfied, 33% were fairly and 19% were those consumers who were not satisfied.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of both the chart and the table. However, the overview is slightly confusing; you mention 'full time graduates' twice in the first paragraph, and the second sentence is grammatically unclear. While you have selected key data points, the reporting is sometimes repetitive and lacks a clear comparative focus. For example, you list percentages for each category in the table without effectively grouping or contrasting them to highlight the most significant trends. To improve, ensure your overview clearly synthesizes the data rather than just listing facts, and focus on comparing the most striking differences between the user groups and satisfaction levels.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'and them the distance learning' and 'then 35% were fairly' create awkward transitions that impede the flow of information. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when you switch between categories in the table. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'in contrast,' 'similarly,' 'whereas') and ensure that your sentences connect logically to one another rather than just listing data points in isolation.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the data, such as 'proportion,' 'satisfied,' and 'dissatisfied.' However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'accord the highest proportion' and 'satisfactory average.' The phrase 'average satisfied' is also non-standard. You rely on basic descriptors and struggle to use more precise academic vocabulary to describe trends or statistical variations. To improve, focus on learning collocations related to data reporting, such as 'a significant majority,' 'a marginal difference,' or 'the highest level of satisfaction.'
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally cause confusion. For instance, 'The pie chart and table illustrates' contains a subject-verb agreement error, and 'no one were dissatisfied' is incorrect. You struggle with sentence structure, often creating run-on sentences or fragments that lack proper punctuation. While you attempt some complex structures, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on basic subject-verb agreement and ensure that your sentences have a clear subject and verb. Practicing the correct use of articles and prepositions will also significantly improve the clarity of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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