Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-16
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 5.5)
The line graph illustrates the proportion of households living in owned and rented accommodation in England and Wales between 1918 and 2011.
Overall, it is clear that households in rented accommodation showed an upward trend in 1918, whereas it showed an downward trend in 2011 . It is noticeable that the proportion of households in owned accommodation showed an downward trend in 1918, whereas it showed an upward trend in 2001.
In 1918, households in rented accommodation increased at 77% . It is noticeable that the proportion of households in rented accommodation slightly decreased year by year. This was followed by in 1939 and 1953 the proportion of rented accommodation were same , at 65% respectively . But in contrast , the proportion of households rented accommodation in 1981 slightly decreased , at 40%.
In 1918, households in owned accommodation decreased , at 22%. It is noticeable that the proportion of households in owned accommodation increased over the year. The percentages of households in owned accommodation in 1939 and 1953 were same ,at 30% . In 1991 and 2001 the percentages were same ,at 67% respectively. But in 2011, the proportion of households in owned accommodation decreased while the proportion of households in rented accommodation increased.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the key trends for both owned and rented accommodation. However, there are significant inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, stating that rented accommodation 'increased at 77%' in 1918 is a misinterpretation of the starting point, and the description of trends is occasionally contradictory or confusing (e.g., claiming rented accommodation showed an upward trend in 1918). While the overview is present, it lacks precision. To reach a higher band, you must ensure that the data points cited accurately reflect the graph and that the trends described are logically consistent with the visual information provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as the repetitive use of 'It is noticeable that' and 'the percentages were same'. The logical progression between sentences is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing, such as 'This was followed by in 1939 and 1953 the proportion of rented accommodation were same'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing is clear would significantly enhance the flow of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. You rely heavily on basic phrases like 'increased', 'decreased', and 'the proportion of'. There are also some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'showed an downward trend' (should be 'a downward trend') and 'the percentages were same' (should be 'the percentages were the same'). To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated synonyms and ensure correct article usage when describing trends.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Common issues include incorrect article usage ('an downward'), subject-verb agreement ('the proportion of rented accommodation were same'), and awkward sentence construction ('followed by in 1939 and 1953 the proportion...'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to detract from the overall quality of the writing. Focusing on basic grammatical accuracy and proofreading for small errors would be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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