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 proportion of five distinct categories of library users, while the table details user satisfaction across five specific library services.
Overall, full-time students make up the vast majority of library users, whereas staff and distance learners represent tiny fractions. In terms of feedback, library users express high levels of satisfaction overall, with staff helpfulness receiving the most praise and resource availability recording the highest levels of dissatisfaction.
Regarding user composition, full-time undergraduates form the largest single group at 44%, followed by full-time postgraduates at 25%. Combined, full-time students account for over two-thirds of total library visitors (69%). Among the remaining groups, part-time postgraduates comprise 16%, while distance learning students and academic staff represent minor shares at 8% and 7%, respectively.
Looking at user satisfaction, service-related aspects received overwhelmingly positive responses, with zero dissatisfaction reported for staff helpfulness (95% very satisfied) and opening hours (65% very satisfied). Conversely, physical and digital resources showed noticeable areas of discontent. Availability of journals registered the highest level of dissatisfaction at 20%, closely followed by Wi-Fi reliability at 19% and book availability at 10%. Despite this, total satisfaction (combining "very" and "fairly" satisfied) remained above 80% across all evaluated parameters.
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 is clear and effectively synthesises the key trends, such as the dominance of full-time students and the contrast between high staff helpfulness and lower satisfaction with physical/digital resources. You have made relevant comparisons throughout, such as combining the full-time student categories to highlight their majority status. The data is accurately represented, and the response fully addresses all parts of the prompt without any omissions.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overall summary, the user composition, and the satisfaction levels. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'whereas', 'conversely', and 'despite this', to link ideas smoothly. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is natural and easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the referencing is precise throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.5
You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, which is used with natural control. Phrases like 'represent tiny fractions', 'overwhelmingly positive responses', and 'noticeable areas of discontent' show a high level of lexical precision. The vocabulary is well-suited to the academic context of the task. There are no errors in word choice or collocation, and the language is varied enough to maintain the reader's interest while remaining accurate and professional throughout the entire report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, participial phrases, and accurate use of comparative and superlative forms. The punctuation is precise, and the sentence construction is consistently error-free. You have successfully integrated data points into complex sentences without sacrificing clarity or grammatical integrity. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is flawless, and the overall quality of the writing is highly professional and accurate, meeting the criteria for the highest band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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