Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 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. You provided a clear overview in the second paragraph, which effectively synthesizes the data. The comparisons are well-integrated, such as contrasting the high satisfaction with staff helpfulness against the dissatisfaction with journal availability. All data points are accurately represented, and the information is logically grouped by category (demographics and satisfaction). You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt, ensuring that the key trends are highlighted without unnecessary detail, which is the hallmark of a high-scoring response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction/overview, user demographics, and service satisfaction. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In terms of', 'In contrast', 'Turning to', and 'Conversely', to guide the reader through the data. The paragraphing is skillful, and the transition between the two data sets is seamless. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words; the flow is natural and professional throughout the entire report.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.5
You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'constituted the vast majority', 'formed the second-largest segment', and 'registered the highest levels of dissatisfaction' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic report. You avoid repetition and use collocations accurately (e.g., 'moderate feedback', 'user demographics'). There are no spelling errors, and the choice of words is consistently natural and academic, fitting the requirements for the highest band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The grammatical range is impressive, utilizing a variety of complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses and participial phrases (e.g., '...while journal availability and wi-fi reliability registered the highest levels of dissatisfaction'). The punctuation is accurate, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is flawless. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the complexity of the structures enhances the clarity of the report rather than hindering it. You have demonstrated full flexibility and accuracy throughout the text.
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