Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-02

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The chart below shows the percentage of households in owned and rented accommodation in England and Wales between 1918 and 2011.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The bar graph illustrates the percentage of households in England and Wales that were either rented or owned between 1918 and 2011.

To begin with, rented accommodation accounted for the highest proportion in 1918, with over 70% of individuals living in rented houses. From that point onwards, a continuous downward trend can be observed, reaching approximately one‑third (33%) in 2001. In 2011, the figure rose slightly to 38%.

In contrast, home ownership followed the opposite pattern. In 1918, only 22% of people owned their houses, which was the lowest figure across the entire period. However, ownership increased steadily over the decades, peaking at 69% in 2001. By 2011, this proportion declined modestly by 6 percentage points, settling at 63%.

Overall, the data highlight a clear reversal in housing trends. In 1918, the majority of people lived in rented homes, whereas by 2001, owning a house had become the dominant choice. Although ownership dipped slightly in 2011, it still remained the more common arrangement compared to renting.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the trends and successfully identified the main features, such as the reversal of the two categories and the peak/trough points. The data is accurately reported, and the comparison between the two housing types is well-integrated throughout the report. You have successfully highlighted the key shifts between 1918 and 2011, ensuring the reader understands the overall trajectory of the data. The information is well-selected, and the summary is balanced, meeting all requirements for a high-level response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs focusing on specific trends, and a concise summary. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving chronologically and then contrasting the two categories effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'From that point onwards', 'In contrast', and 'Overall' are used naturally to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the distinct trends, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow of information is logical and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'continuous downward trend', 'peaking at', 'declined modestly', and 'dominant choice' show a level of precision and flexibility. The vocabulary is accurate and contributes to the clarity of the report. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms or collocations related to statistical trends could elevate the response further. However, the current usage is natural and error-free, which is commendable.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, effectively. The control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent, particularly when describing historical data. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The use of participial phrases and comparative structures demonstrates a strong command of English grammar. The response is polished and reads very naturally, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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