Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-10-01

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 7.5)

The bar chart compares the amounts of electricity produced and consumed by the ten leading countries in 2014, with figures given in billion kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Overall, China and the United States were by far the largest producers and consumers of electricity, whereas South Korea recorded the lowest figures among the ten countries. In addition, the rankings for electricity production and consumption were broadly similar.

In terms of electricity production, China ranked first, generating 5,398 billion kWh in 2014. The United States followed in second place, with production of 4,099 billion kWh. Russia and Japan ranked third and fourth, producing 1,057 and 936.2 billion kWh, respectively. India and Canada occupied the next two positions, with figures of 871 and 618.9 billion kWh.

The remaining four countries produced considerably less electricity. France generated 561.2 billion kWh, followed by Brazil at 530.7 billion kWh. Germany and South Korea recorded the lowest production figures, at 526.6 and 485.1 billion kWh, respectively. In terms of consumption, China again ranked first, using 5,322 billion kWh. The United States, Russia, Japan, India and Canada followed in the same order, while France, Brazil, Germany and South Korea all consumed less than 600 billion kWh.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of electricity production and consumption in 2014. The overview effectively highlights the leading countries, China and the United States, alongside the lowest ranking nation, South Korea, while noting the general alignment between production and consumption rankings. Data is accurately cited from the chart, such as China generating 5,398 billion kWh and the US following with 4,099 billion kWh. However, to reach the highest band, the response could push beyond simply listing numerical data to provide a more fully developed, analytical comparison across all ten countries, rather than grouping the remaining nations into slightly brief summaries.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is suitably divided into paragraphs, with an introduction and a well-structured overview paragraph setting the tone. Cohesive devices such as 'In terms of', 'respectively', and 'followed by' are used flexibly to connect ideas and data points smoothly. Referencing is handled well, ensuring the reader can easily follow the sequence of countries and figures from China down to South Korea. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, meaning the overall progression feels natural and coherent.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

A sufficient range of vocabulary is employed with good flexibility and precision, allowing the writer to discuss statistical data naturally. Less common items such as 'generating', 'occupied', and 'consumed' are used with a strong awareness of style and collocation in an academic context. Word choice is generally accurate, and spelling is correct throughout. The inclusion of precise reporting verbs and transitional phrases elevates the response, demonstrating solid lexical control that meets the requirements for this level while avoiding major errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The writing exhibits an impressive control of grammar, utilizing a wide range of complex sentence structures with high accuracy. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, featuring well-managed subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and accurate punctuation. Verb forms and tenses (such as the simple past 'generated' and 'ranked') are handled consistently and correctly throughout the report. There are only very occasional minor slips, reflecting a very high degree of grammatical precision and a strong command of sentence architecture.

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