Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-22
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 different categories of library users at a university, while the table shows the levels of satisfaction among these users regarding five aspects of the library.
Overall, full-time undergraduates constituted the largest proportion of library users, whereas academic staff represented the smallest group. In terms of satisfaction, the helpfulness of staff received the most positive feedback, while the availability of journals had the highest proportion of dissatisfied users.
Full-time undergraduate students accounted for 44% of library users, making them by far the largest group. Full-time postgraduate students represented 25%, followed by part-time postgraduate students at 16%. Distance-learning students from all courses made up 8%, while academic staff accounted for only 7%.
Regarding satisfaction, 95% of users were very satisfied with the helpfulness of staff, with the remaining 5% being fairly satisfied and none dissatisfied. Library opening hours also received a high level of satisfaction, with 65% very satisfied and 35% fairly satisfied. For the availability of books, half of the users were very satisfied, while 40% were fairly satisfied and 10% were not satisfied.
The availability of journals had comparatively lower satisfaction levels, with 45% very satisfied, 35% fairly satisfied and 20% dissatisfied. Finally, 48% were very satisfied with the reliability of Wi-Fi, compared with 33% fairly satisfied and 19% not satisfied.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The student covers all parts of the task well, providing an accurate summary of both the pie chart and the table. An appropriate overview is included in the second paragraph, highlighting key features such as the dominance of full-time undergraduates in user categories and the high satisfaction with staff helpfulness compared to the low satisfaction with journal availability. Data is accurately reported throughout, with precise percentages cited correctly from the stimulus, such as 44% for full-time undergraduates and 95% for staff helpfulness. The response demonstrates a clear understanding of the visual data without missing major trends or making false claims. This performance fully aligns with the requirements for a high band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The response is exceptionally well-organised with a clear logical progression from an introduction and overview to detailed body paragraphs separating the pie chart data from the table data. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately. Cohesive devices are managed skilfully without feeling mechanical, using phrases such as 'In terms of satisfaction', 'Regarding satisfaction', and 'Finally' to guide the reader smoothly through the different data points. Referencing is clear and precise throughout the text, ensuring a cohesive and coherent flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to academic writing. Phrases such as 'constituted the largest proportion', 'represented the smallest group', and 'comparatively lower satisfaction levels' show a strong command of lexical items appropriate for Task 1 reports. Word choice and collocation are accurate, with natural phrasing used to describe proportions and survey results. There are no notable spelling or word-choice errors, reflecting a very high level of lexical control.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The text exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with participial clauses ('making them by far the largest group') and well-constructed comparative structures. The majority of sentences are entirely error-free, and control over grammar, punctuation, and tense consistency is excellent. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication, demonstrating the high degree of accuracy expected at this level.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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