Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-25

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The chart below shows the number of households in the US by their annual income in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

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

Student answer (Band 5.5)

I am summarizing this information by selecting and reporting the main features and making comparisons where relevant.

The chart in this essay shows the annual income of people who are currently living in the USA.

In 2007, 25 millions houses had annual income more then 1 lac dollars. At the same time, 27 millions houses had income between 50 to 75 thousands dollars.In addition, 14 millions houses had income up to 75 thousands dollars.

By 2011, people who are living in 30 millions houses had income more than 25 thousands dollars.

Less income round about 75 thousands dollars is target to the 13 millions houses.

In 2015, 33 millions houses have income less than 25 thousands dollars. 15 millions houses have income not more then 1 lac.

In conclusion, the graph shows the trend of different levels of income which varies from year to year. Furthermore, from 2007 to 2015 different fluctuations have seen in the income.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response attempts to address the task but fails to provide a clear overview or accurately report the data. The information presented is often confusing or contradictory (e.g., '14 millions houses had income up to 75 thousands dollars' is unclear in relation to the chart). The response lacks a logical selection of main features, focusing instead on isolated, sometimes inaccurate, data points. It does not effectively compare the categories or the changes over time. To improve, focus on identifying the most significant trends—such as which income bracket was the most common in each year—and ensure the data reported matches the visual information provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The introduction is unnecessary as it repeats the prompt instructions rather than paraphrasing the topic. Cohesive devices are used in a mechanical and sometimes incorrect way (e.g., 'In addition', 'Furthermore'). The transition between sentences is often abrupt, making it difficult for the reader to follow the development of the information. To improve, use linking words more naturally to connect ideas and ensure each paragraph has a clear focus, such as grouping data by income bracket or by year.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are frequent errors in word choice and collocation, such as '1 lac' (which is not standard in international English) and 'houses' instead of 'households'. The phrasing 'target to the 13 millions houses' is unnatural and imprecise. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to convey the data with the necessary precision required for an Academic Task 1 report. To improve, learn specific terminology for describing charts, such as 'income bracket', 'proportion', 'fluctuated', and 'remained stable'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response relies on simple sentence structures, and there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect verb tenses (e.g., 'different fluctuations have seen'), subject-verb agreement errors (e.g., '15 millions houses have income'), and misuse of prepositions. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing spaces after periods. While the meaning is generally discernible, the lack of complex structures and the high frequency of basic errors limit the score. Focus on mastering basic sentence construction and subject-verb agreement before attempting more complex structures.

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