Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-24

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 6.0)

The bar chart illustrates the proportion of households owning and renting accommodation in England and Wales from 1918 to 2011.

Overall, there was a significant shift of households from renting to owning in the last 93 years. In the first 43 years, renting was on top, but in one period (1971), both were in equal proportion.

In 1918, renting households surpassed owning by a huge margin of around 50%. The figures in 1939 and 1953 remained similar because owing was at 30% and renting at around 70%. In 1961, the figures for renting and owning were around 60% and around 40%, respectively, as compared to 1971, where the figures for both were the same at 50%.

In contrast, from 1981 the trend changed, and owning increased significantly. The figures for 1981, 1991, 2001, and 2011 in terms of owning were 60, around 70, around 70, and around 60%, respectively. The proportions for 1981, 1991, 2001, and 2011 about renting accommodation were 40%, around 30%, around 30%, and around 35%,respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main trends and provides a clear overview of the shift from renting to owning. You have selected key data points to support your description, such as the crossover point in 1971. However, the analysis could be improved by grouping the data more effectively rather than listing figures chronologically in the final paragraph. While you mention the 'huge margin' in 1918, more explicit comparisons between the two categories throughout the text would strengthen the response. Overall, you have covered all parts of the task well, providing a clear summary of the provided chart.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast' and 'respectively' to link ideas. However, the progression within the final paragraph is slightly mechanical, relying heavily on a list-like structure to present the data for 1981–2011. The use of paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows logically from the start to the end. To reach a higher band, ensure that cohesive devices are used to connect sentences more fluidly rather than just acting as signposts for data points.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'surpassed', and 'significant shift'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'owing' instead of 'owning' and 'on top' which is slightly informal for an academic report. While you use 'respectively' correctly, the vocabulary is generally functional rather than sophisticated. To improve, try to incorporate more precise reporting verbs and nouns related to statistical trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'a steady decline'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the conditional-like structure in 'as compared to 1971, where the figures for both were the same'. There are occasional errors, such as the spelling error 'owing' and some minor punctuation issues with spacing before 'respectively'. Most sentences are clear and communication is not impeded by these slips. To achieve a higher score, aim for a greater variety of complex structures and ensure consistent accuracy in spelling and sentence construction.

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

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