Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-05
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 chart illustrates the percentage of households owned and rented in accommodation in England and Whales from 1918 up to 2011.
Overall, It is clear to say that the percentage of rented household were the most common but it dropped down over years, While owned household were rarely seen but it increased gradually over years.
Looking first at rented households in 1918 it was on it's peak with 80% and they were dominating but year by year the percentages were dropping down gradually until they tied with the percentage of the owned households in 1971 with 50% for each and since then the percentage of rented households became the minor part in the chart.
Turning into the owned households in 1918, They were almost visible with only 20% of the chart and that percentage gradually increased until it tied with the rented households in 1971 with 50% for each and the grow didn't stop there because in 2001 it reached it's peak with almost 70% of the chart and it dropped a bit in 2011 but it was still the most common by 75% of the chart.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response successfully identifies the main trends and makes relevant comparisons between the two categories. You have highlighted the key turning point in 1971 and noted the peak periods for both owned and rented accommodation. However, the analysis could be improved by including more specific data points to support your descriptions, such as the initial 1918 figures or the final 2011 figures more precisely. While you have covered the requirements, the overview is slightly simplistic. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview captures the broader picture more effectively and that all data points mentioned are accurate according to the chart provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on each category. The progression of ideas is generally clear. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and occasionally mechanical, such as the frequent use of 'Looking first at' and 'Turning into'. Additionally, there are some minor issues with referencing and punctuation, such as the inconsistent capitalization of 'It' and 'They' mid-sentence. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the flow and coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the trends, such as 'dominating', 'gradually increased', and 'minor part'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'rented household were the most common' (should be 'rented households') and 'on it's peak' (should be 'at its peak'). The spelling error 'Whales' instead of 'Wales' is also noted. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensure that your word forms and collocations are accurate. The range is adequate for the task but lacks the sophistication required for a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'rented household were') and the misuse of apostrophes (e.g., 'it's peak' instead of 'its peak'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary capitalization of words like 'It', 'While', and 'They' within sentences. These errors do not impede communication, but they do indicate a lack of control over complex structures. Increasing the accuracy of basic grammar and punctuation will significantly improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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