Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-07

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 BAR CHART COMPARES THE PROPORTION OF HOUSEHOLDS IN RENTED AND OWNED ACCOMMODATION IN THE COUNTRY OF ENGLAND AND WALES FROM 1918 TO 2011. OVERALL, IT CLEARLY SEEMS THAT EARLIER, THE MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS IN BOTH COUNTRIES OF ENGLAND AND WALES PREFERRED RENTAL HOUSING ACCOMMODATION. WHILE HALF OF THE POPULATION GRADUALLY SHIFTED TO OWNED HOUSING BY 2011.

TO BEGIN WITH, IN THE YEAR 1918, NEARLY 80 PERCENT [%] OF RESIDENTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES CHOSE HOUSEHOLDS IN RENTED ACCOMMODATION, AND NEARLY 20 PERCENT PREFERRED OWNED HOUSING. MOVING FURTHER TO THE YEAR 1939 AND 1953, THE RATIO PLATEAUED TO ALMOST 70 AND 30 FOR RENTED AND OWNED HOUSEHOLD RESIDENCES. SURPRISINGLY, IN 1971, BOTH OWNED AND RENTED HIT 50 PERCENT, WHICH CLEARLY SHOWS THE EQUAL LIKING FOR BOTH COUNTRIES.

BY STARK CONTRAST, FROM 1981, OUT OE 70 % ALMOST 30 % OF RESIDENTS SWITCHED TO RENTED AND OTHERS TO OWNED HOUSING. MEANWHILE,

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response is incomplete, as it cuts off abruptly mid-sentence in the final paragraph. While you successfully identify the main trends and provide some data points, the failure to complete the summary and the lack of a concluding overview significantly impact the task achievement. You have selected key features, such as the 1918 starting point and the 1971 crossover, but the analysis is truncated. To reach a higher band, you must ensure the entire task is completed, including a clear summary of the overall trend and a full description of the data provided in the chart.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay uses some cohesive devices like 'To begin with' and 'By stark contrast' to organize ideas. However, the progression is interrupted by the incomplete nature of the final paragraph. Paragraphing is present, but the abrupt ending makes the overall structure feel unfinished. Referencing is generally clear, but the lack of a cohesive conclusion prevents the response from achieving a higher score. Ensure that your ideas flow logically to a final point rather than stopping mid-thought.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'plateaued', and 'stark contrast'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'equal liking for both countries' (the chart refers to accommodation types, not countries) and 'out oe' (a typo). The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Focus on using more precise collocations related to data description.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'it clearly seems that earlier' and the misuse of 'countries' when referring to accommodation types. Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the incomplete sentence at the end is a significant error. While the meaning is usually clear, the frequency of errors and the lack of a finished structure limit the score. Aim to proofread your work to catch minor slips and ensure all sentences are complete.

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

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