Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-03

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 6.5)

The bar chart illustrates the proportion of families living in owned and rented houses in England and Wales over a period from 1918 to 2011.

Overall, It is clear that while the percentage of households in rented accommodation decresed significantly over the period, the figure for owned accommodation experienced a dramatic rise. Additionally, the year 1971 marked a point where the popularity of both types of housing was exactly equal.

In 1918, renting was the most common type of housing, accounting for nearly 80% of households. At the same time, only about 22% of families owned their homes. Over the next few decades, the percentage of rented houses fell steadily to about 58% in 1961.

After 1971, home ownership became the more popular choice. The proportion of people owning their accommodation continued to increase, reaching a peak of almost 70% in 2001. In contrast, the figure for rented accommodation dropped to its lowest point of around 31% in 2001. However, in the final year of 2011, there was a slight change in this pattern. The percentage of owned houses fell slightly to 64%, while the percentage of rented houses rose again to roughly 36%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends, noting the inverse relationship between owned and rented accommodation and identifying the 1971 crossover point. The key features are well-selected, and the data is accurately reported throughout the body paragraphs. You have successfully highlighted the significant changes over the period, such as the peak in ownership in 2001 and the slight reversal in 2011. The response is well-structured and provides a comprehensive summary of the provided chart without unnecessary detail.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, and the chronological breakdown of the data. You have used cohesive devices such as 'Additionally', 'In contrast', and 'However' effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows smoothly from one point to the next. The referencing is clear, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding of the trends presented in the chart.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the trends accurately, such as 'proportion', 'accounted for', 'fell steadily', and 'dramatic rise'. The language is natural and precise for an Academic Task 1 response. There is a minor spelling error ('decresed'), but this is a rare slip and does not impede communication. You demonstrate a good awareness of collocations and style, which allows for a fluent and professional tone throughout the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used a variety of grammatical forms, including participial phrases ('accounting for nearly 80%') and complex sentences with subordinate clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. While there is a minor capitalization error ('Overall, It is clear'), your control over grammar is strong, and the occasional slips do not interfere with the clarity of the information provided.

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