Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-11
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 illustrates the proportion of library users distinguished into various categories whereas the table presents the data on library user satisfaction at university .
Overall, full-time undergraduate accounted the highest proportion of library users . Helpfulness of staff recorded the highest percentage of library user satisfaction . Helpfulness of staff had none of non satisfied users along with Library opening hours .
The full time postgraduate accounted for 25% of library users which was more than the part time postgraduate which accounted 16% of library users .The distance learning accounted 8% of library users while the academic staff had the least proportion of library users at 7%.
With reference to the table half of the library users were very satisfied with the availability of books with 40% been fairly satisfied and remaining 10% been unsatisfied . The availability of journals had the least user satisfaction with 45% been very satisfied . Reliability of wi-fi had 48% been very satisfied with the 33% been fairly satisfied along with 19% been not 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 the main features of both the chart and the table. You have identified the key proportions of library users and highlighted the satisfaction levels. However, the report lacks a clear, analytical overview that synthesizes the data effectively. While you mention the highest and lowest categories, the comparison between the two datasets could be more integrated. Some data points are presented in isolation rather than being compared, such as the specific percentages for satisfaction levels. To reach a higher band, ensure that the 'main features' are highlighted more distinctly in the overview and that comparisons are made more consistently throughout the body paragraphs.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. For example, the phrase 'accounted for' is used repeatedly, which makes the flow feel a bit stilted. There is a lack of varied linking words to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs. While the progression of information is generally clear, the transition between the pie chart data and the table data could be smoother. Improving the variety of transition signals and referencing would enhance the overall coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite limited and repetitive. You rely heavily on basic verbs like 'accounted for' and 'recorded'. There is little evidence of less common lexical items or sophisticated collocations. For instance, instead of repeating 'accounted for', you could use synonyms like 'comprised', 'constituted', or 'represented'. Additionally, there are some minor errors in word choice, such as 'none of non satisfied users', which is awkward. To improve, focus on expanding your range of reporting verbs and using more precise terminology to describe statistical data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, '40% been fairly satisfied' is grammatically incorrect; it should be '40% were fairly satisfied'. There are also issues with article usage and prepositions, such as 'the academic staff had the least proportion'. While the meaning is generally understandable, these recurring errors in verb forms and sentence construction prevent the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice for reporting data would be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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