Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-09
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 8.5)
The pie chart illustrates the distribution of library users at a university across five categories, while the table details their levels of satisfaction regarding five specific library services.
Overall, full-time undergraduates constituted the vast majority of library users, whereas academic staff represented the smallest group. In terms of user feedback, staff helpfulness and opening hours received the highest satisfaction ratings, while journal availability and Wi-Fi reliability registered the highest levels of dissatisfaction.
Regarding user demographics, full-time undergraduates accounted for nearly half of all library users at 44%. Full-time postgraduates formed the second-largest segment at 25%, followed by part-time postgraduates and distance learning students, who comprised 16% and 8% respectively. In contrast, academic staff made up the lowest proportion, at just 7%.
Turning to service satisfaction, the helpfulness of staff was the most highly rated feature, with 95% of respondents reporting they were "very satisfied" and zero dissatisfaction. Similarly, library opening hours satisfied all respondents, with 65% "very satisfied" and 35% "fairly satisfied." Conversely, availability of journals and Wi-Fi reliability caused the greatest dissatisfaction, recording "not satisfied" figures of 20% and 19% respectively. Finally, book availability displayed moderate feedback, with 50% of users very satisfied, 40% fairly satisfied, and 10% unsatisfied.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response is excellent. You have successfully identified and reported the main features of both the pie chart and the table. The overview clearly highlights the most significant trends, such as the dominance of full-time undergraduates and the contrast between high satisfaction with staff/hours and low satisfaction with journals/Wi-Fi. You have integrated data effectively to support your points, and the comparisons are accurate and relevant. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is presented in a logical, analytical manner that fully satisfies the requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In terms of', 'In contrast', 'Turning to', and 'Conversely', which guide the reader smoothly through the information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the demographic data from the service satisfaction data. The structure is coherent, and the relationship between the different parts of the data is clearly established, making the text very easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.5
You have demonstrated a wide and precise range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'constituted the vast majority', 'formed the second-largest segment', and 'registered the highest levels of dissatisfaction' show a sophisticated command of language. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contextually appropriate for an academic report. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the use of terminology is consistent throughout the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The grammatical control is highly impressive. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses and participial phrases, with consistent accuracy. Punctuation is handled correctly, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the overall fluency of the writing is excellent. The range of structures used is sufficient to convey complex comparisons clearly and accurately.
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