Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-12

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

Categories of library users

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The survey results of library users at a university are shown in a chart and a table. The pie chart illustrates the types of users who use the library, while the table shows the satisfaction levels of users. There are different types of people using the library, including full-time undergraduates, academic staff, part-time postgraduates, full-time postgraduates, and distance learners. It can be seen from the table that most users are generally satisfied with the library staff, opening hours, and availability of books. However, some users show dissatisfaction with the availability of journals and Wi-Fi reliability.

In the pie chart, 44% of users are full-time undergraduates, which is the largest proportion. The runner-up is full-time postgraduates, at 25%, while part-time postgraduates account for 16%. Distance learners and academic staff account for 8% and 7% of the user base, respectively. 95% of library users are satisfied with the helpfulness of the staff. Meanwhile, 65% are satisfied with the library opening hours, while 35% are fairly satisfied. Most users are satisfied with the availability of books, with 50% reporting that they are satisfied, 40% fairly satisfied, and only 10% not satisfied. However, the majority of users were relatively unsatisfied with the availability of journals and the reliability of Wi-Fi.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion6.5
Lexical Resource6.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.5
Overall6.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by covering both the pie chart and the table. The main features are clearly selected and reported, such as full-time undergraduates making up the largest proportion at 44% and the high satisfaction levels with library staff. Comparisons are also appropriately made, such as contrasting the high satisfaction with staff and books against the dissatisfaction with journals and Wi-Fi reliability. The information is accurately conveyed based on the visual data provided, demonstrating a clear overview and sufficient detail throughout both body paragraphs without any major omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response features a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The text is divided into an introduction and a main body paragraph, with cohesive devices used effectively to guide the reader. Phrases like 'In the pie chart', 'Meanwhile', and 'However' help signal transitions between ideas and data sets. Referencing is clear, and the overall arrangement is coherent, allowing the reader to easily follow the comparison between user categories and their respective satisfaction levels. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately for an Academic Task 1 response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for flexibility and precision, using appropriate terms such as 'proportion', 'runner-up', 'account for', and 'reliability'. Less common items are attempted with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'user base' and 'general satisfaction'. While there are no major lexical errors, the vocabulary remains fairly standard rather than truly sophisticated. However, the range is fully adequate for the task and allows the student to convey precise statistical details accurately and clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative clauses and subordinate structures successfully, such as in 'which is the largest proportion' and 'reporting that they are satisfied'. There is good control of grammar and punctuation, with frequent error-free sentences. Minor flaws or awkward phrasings are very rare, and grammatical accuracy remains high throughout, ensuring that communication is never impeded. The structural variety supports the clear delivery of data.

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