Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-10-08

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 5.0)

The bar chart illustrates the percentage of households in owned and rental accommodation in England and Wales between 1918 and 2011.

Overall, it is clear that households in rented accommodation was the highest proportion in 1918 while the lowest proportion of rented accommodation was accounted in 2001. Whereas, the households in owned accommodation was the highest proportion in 2001 but accounted for the lowest percentage in 1918.

Looking at the details, households in rented accommodation experienced the highest proportion around 78% in 1918 followed closely by in 1939 and 1953 with 68% both. furthermore, in 1961

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

You identify the chart’s subject and give a relevant overview: renting was highest in 1918, while ownership peaked and renting reached its low in 2001. You also report several figures accurately, including about 78% renting in 1918 and 68% in both 1939 and 1953. However, the response is incomplete: it stops mid-sentence at “furthermore, in 1961” and does not describe the later years or the overall crossover and reversal by 2011. The required minimum of 150 words is not met; the response contains 87 words, with 9 words copied from the prompt excluded. As a result, the task is addressed only minimally, with key information missing. Complete the comparison across the full period and support the overview with the main figures.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and a paragraph beginning “Looking at the details.” This gives the reader some sense of how the answer is organised. However, progression is limited because the detail paragraph breaks off after “furthermore, in 1961,” leaving the account unfinished and preventing a clear sequence through the years. The contrast introduced by “Whereas” is also awkwardly attached to the overview rather than developed as a clear comparison. “Furthermore” is not followed by a complete idea. To improve, organise the figures chronologically or group the two series, use linking words only where they express a real relationship, and ensure each paragraph develops a complete point.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant chart vocabulary, including “percentage,” “proportion,” “owned accommodation,” and “rented accommodation,” so the topic is generally clear. There is also some variation in how you describe the data, such as “illustrates” and “experienced.” However, several choices are unnatural or imprecise: “the lowest proportion … was accounted in 2001” and “followed closely by in 1939” do not express the comparisons naturally. Repetition of “proportion” and “accommodation” also limits flexibility. Aim for standard data-reporting collocations such as “accounted for,” “stood at,” and “was followed by,” and use “share” or “figure” where appropriate. This would make the limited range more precise and fluent.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts some complex sentence structures, particularly the overview sentence beginning “Whereas,” and uses past-tense reporting in “experienced” and “followed.” However, control is uneven. In “households in rented accommodation was the highest proportion,” the plural subject requires “were,” and the same agreement problem appears in “households in owned accommodation was.” The “Whereas” clause is not formed as a complete, balanced contrast, and the final detail sentence is unfinished, so its structure cannot be followed. Capitalisation after the full stop in “furthermore” is also incorrect. Use complete sentences with clear subject–verb agreement, and check that contrast clauses are grammatically connected to a main clause.

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

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