Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-11

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The bar chart below shows the top ten countries for the production and consumption of electricity in 2014.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The bar chart gives information about the top ten countries, such as China, the United States, Russia, Japan, India, Canada, France, Brazil, Germany, and Korea, for the production and consumption of electricity in 2014. Units are measured in billion kilowatt-hours.

Overall, the production of China was higher than that of the United States. China had the largest amount in production and consumption of electricity, while Korea had the least amount in both categories of electricity.

First of all, China ranked first in production of electricity, with 5,398 billion kWh, and its consumption stood at 5,322 billion kWh. Subsequently, the United States ranked second, producing 4,009 billion kWh and consuming 3,866 billion kWh. Next, Russia ranked third, generating 1,057 billion kWh and consuming 1,038 billion kWh. Following this, Japan took the fourth spot, generating 936.2 billion kWh and consuming 856.7 billion kWh respectively. A similar trend was observed in India and Canada: India produced 871 billion kWh and used 698.8 billion kWh, whereas Canada generated 618.9 billion kWh but consumed less at 499.9 billion kWh.

In terms of France, it was positioned seventh, generating 561.2 billion kWh and consuming 462.9 billion kWh. Brazil placed eighth, producing 530.7 billion kWh and consuming 455.8 billion kWh. Germany ranked ninth, yielding 530.7 billion kWh and consuming 455.8 billion kWh. Finally, South Korea had the lowest figures on the chart, producing and consuming just under 500 billion kWh.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main features and providing relevant comparisons. You have successfully highlighted the top-ranking countries and noted the general trend where production exceeds consumption. The data is accurately reported, and the inclusion of specific figures supports your points well. To reach a higher band, ensure you avoid listing data sequentially for every country, which can become repetitive. Instead, focus more on grouping countries with similar characteristics or highlighting the most significant disparities between production and consumption to provide a more analytical summary rather than a descriptive list.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group the data effectively. You use cohesive devices such as 'Subsequently', 'Following this', and 'In terms of' to guide the reader through the information. However, the transition between the third and fourth paragraphs is slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the progression of ideas feels more natural. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure allows for easy navigation of the data presented.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'generating', 'consuming', 'ranked', and 'positioned' correctly. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'produced' and 'consumed'. To improve your lexical resource, try to incorporate more varied synonyms or collocations related to data reporting, such as 'outstripped', 'accounted for', or 'figures peaked at'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'China had the largest amount... while Korea had the least'. Most sentences are clear and error-free, though there are minor issues with punctuation and phrasing, such as the redundant use of 'respectively' when only one set of data is being compared in that specific clause. Your control of grammar is generally good, and errors do not impede communication. To aim for a higher score, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions or participle clauses.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.