Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The given pie chart illustrates the proportion of different groups visiting the library and data columns explains the result of satisfaction from the persons who use library.

The huge percentage of individuals who spent time in library are full-time undergraduate (44%) while the minute proportion of academic staff (7%) and distance learners (8%) visited the library. On the other hand, 25% and16% of full-time postgraduate and part-time post graduates respectively are the remaining categories of library users.

The columns shows that numerous persons show their satisfaction level towards library management. The data explains the library staff is very cooperative. Library users are also satisfied from the opening hours. Moreover many of the users are sarisfied on the availability of books, journals and wi-fi. Very few visitors reveal their dis-satisfaction towards the availability of books, journals and wi-fi.

Overall, almost all categories of university members visit the library but percentages vary from group to group. Moreover the satisfaction chart data is in the favour of library management most of individuals are satisfied by the services available at library.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully covers both parts of the visual data by summarising the pie chart regarding categories of library users and the table showing satisfaction levels. Key features are highlighted, such as full-time undergraduates representing the largest group at 44% and academic staff accounting for the smallest at 7%. Furthermore, relevant comparisons are made, and accurate data points are cited. The overview provided in the final paragraph captures the main trends effectively. However, the explanation of the satisfaction data is somewhat qualitative rather than incorporating more specific figures for categories like opening hours (65% very satisfied) or helpfulness of staff (95% very satisfied), which prevents it from reaching a higher band. Nevertheless, all parts of the task are appropriately addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introduction outlining both the chart and the table, moves into the details of the user categories, then discusses the satisfaction ratings, and concludes with an overall summary. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different parts of the visual data. Cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'Overall' are employed to connect ideas, though referencing and transitional links can occasionally feel a bit mechanical or repetitive. For instance, starting consecutive sentences with 'The columns shows' and 'The data explains' creates slight rigidity in the flow, placing this text firmly in the Band 6 category for cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, allowing the student to communicate information about proportions and survey results reasonably well. Phrases like 'proportion of different groups', 'huge percentage', and 'remaining categories' demonstrate an acceptable range. However, there are some noticeable vocabulary and collocation inaccuracies, such as 'data columns explains' instead of 'the table illustrates', 'minute proportion' where 'small proportion' would be more natural, and a spelling error ('sarisfied'). Attempts at less common vocabulary are limited, and word choice lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher band levels.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'The given pie chart illustrates the proportion of different groups visiting the library and data columns explains the result...' and 'While the minute proportion of academic staff... visited the library.' Grammatical control is fairly good in parts, but there are several noticeable errors throughout the text. These include subject-verb agreement issues ('The columns shows'), missing prepositions ('satisfied from' instead of 'satisfied with'), and punctuation errors like missing commas in lists ('books, journals and wi-fi'). Despite these errors, communication is rarely impeded, and the sentence structures meet the requirements for a Band 6.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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