Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-23
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 6.5)
The pie chart illustrates the proportion of different categories of users at a university library, while the table shows the satisfaction level of the users regarding five aspects of library.
Overall, Full-time undergraduate students are accounted for the highest number of library users, while academic staff remain the smallest proportion. Staff helpfulness received a highest satisfaction ratings, whereas journal availability and reliability of wi-fi attracted more dissatisfaction.
According to the pie chart, full-time undergraduate students represented 44% of users, followed by full-time postgraduates at 25%. Part-time postgraduates were accounted for just 16%, while distance-learning candidates and academic staff made up 8% and 9% respectively.
Regarding satisfaction levels, 95% were highly satisfied with helpfulness of staff and 5% were fairly satisfied. Library opening hours also received a positive feedback with 65% very satisfied and 35% satisfied.
In comparison, half of the respondents were very satisfied with books availability 40% were fairly satisfied with just 10% were not satisfied. Availability of journals and reliability of wi-fi received a similar response with almost 45%-48% very satisfied 33%-35% fairly satisfied and 19%-20% not satisfied.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt, providing an overview of both the pie chart and the table. Main features are clearly reported, such as full-time undergraduates accounting for the highest proportion of users (44%) and academic staff representing the lowest (7%). However, there is a minor data error in the third paragraph where the student states academic staff made up 9%, whereas the chart clearly shows 7%. Despite this slight inaccuracy, the response covers all categories and satisfaction aspects adequately, making effective comparisons where relevant, corresponding well to a Band 7.0 performance.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The text is logically organised with a clear overall progression. It begins with an appropriate introductory statement, followed by a well-defined overview paragraph, and then breaks down the data logically into user categories and satisfaction levels. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct ideas. Cohesive devices are employed reasonably well, such as 'Overall', 'According to the pie chart', and 'In comparison'. However, referencing and transitions could be slightly more sophisticated to reach higher band levels. Overall, cohesion is clear and supports the flow of information.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task, using appropriate terms like 'proportion', 'illustrates', 'respondents', and 'satisfaction level'. There are some successful less common items attempted. However, there are minor lexical inaccuracies, such as saying 'academic staff remain the smallest proportion' or minor preposition/article slips ('books availability' instead of 'availability of books'). Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over structures such as 'while the table shows...' and 'although...'. However, there are some passive voice errors, such as 'Full-time undergraduate students are accounted for the highest number' (which should be 'account for') and 'Part-time postgraduates were accounted for just 16%'. Punctuation is occasionally missing in lists, such as in the final paragraph ('very satisfied 33%-35% fairly satisfied'). Despite these errors, the majority of sentences are understandable, and communication is rarely impeded.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.