Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-16
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 8.0)
The pie chart illustrates the proportions of different categories of library users, while the table provides information about their satisfaction with five aspects of the library, expressed as percentages.
Overall, full-time undergraduates constitute by far the largest group of library users, whereas academic staff account for the smallest proportion. In terms of satisfaction, helpfulness of staff receives the most positive ratings, while the availability of journals records the highest level of dissatisfaction.
According to the pie chart, full-time undergraduates make up 44% of library users, almost twice the proportion of full-time postgraduates, at 25%. Part-time postgraduates represent a further 16%, while distance-learning students account for 8%. Academic staff comprise the smallest group, at just 7%.
The table shows that users are particularly satisfied with the helpfulness of staff, with 95% describing themselves as very satisfied and another 5% as fairly satisfied. Library opening hours also receive positive feedback, as 65% of users are very satisfied and 35% fairly satisfied, meaning that no respondents are dissatisfied with this aspect.
By comparison, satisfaction is lower regarding the availability of resources and Wi-Fi. Half of users are very satisfied with the availability of books, while 40% are fairly satisfied and 10% are not satisfied. For journals, the corresponding figures are 45%, 35% and 20%, making this the least satisfactory aspect overall. Finally, 48% of respondents are very satisfied with the reliability of Wi-Fi, compared with 33% who are fairly satisfied and 19% who are not satisfied.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features of both the pie chart and the table, and making appropriate comparisons. The overview accurately highlights the most striking features, such as full-time undergraduates being the largest user group and academic staff the smallest, alongside the highest satisfaction and dissatisfaction ratings. Data points, such as 44% for full-time undergraduates and 95% for helpfulness of staff, are cited accurately and appropriately to support the description. The information is well-selected, and there are no omissions or inaccuracies regarding the provided visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organised with a clear progression from an introductory statement and general overview, to detailed descriptions of the pie chart, and finally the table data. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the visual data. Cohesive devices are used naturally and unobtrusively, as seen in transitions like "By comparison" and "Finally", which help to structure the comparisons without mechanical repetition. Referencing is consistently clear throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to academic report writing. Phrases like "constitute by far the largest group", "account for the smallest proportion", and "corresponding figures" show natural control and precision. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are used effectively without awkwardness. Spelling and word choice are entirely accurate throughout the response, enabling smooth communication of statistical information.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response employs a wide variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing complex clauses and participial phrases used fluently, such as "meaning that no respondents are dissatisfied with this aspect" and "compared with 33% who are fairly satisfied and 19% who are not satisfied". Punctuation and grammatical control are exemplary, meeting all the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.
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