Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-29

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 6.5)

The bar chart displays the number of houses of US citizens by yearly income in millions for 2007,2011 and 2015.

Overall, houses are divided into five groups according to their annual income. The annual revenue of households in the United States has increased. One in four individuals has an average household income of more than $100,000, and this has increased largely since 2015.

There is a rise in the number of people who have household income ranges less than $25,000 and from 25,000 to $49,999, from 2007 to 2011. The number of individuals holding such income was almost 25 to 27 million in 2007, while it increased to approximately 30 million in 2011.In contrast, individuals with household income more than $100,000 decreased. However, households with household income of $50,000-$74,000 remained constant.

For the year 2015, residents with household income of more than $100,000 showed a great increase and reached almost 33 million; such a peak was never seen. While other four groups hold the same household income.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response provides a clear overview and identifies key trends. However, the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. For instance, you mention that 'one in four individuals' has an income over $100,000, but the data provided in the chart does not support this specific ratio. Additionally, the statement that 'other four groups hold the same household income' in 2015 is unclear and inaccurate based on the visual data. While you have selected the main features, the interpretation of the figures needs to be more precise to reach a higher band. Ensure that your descriptions of trends (increases/decreases) are strictly supported by the provided data points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices such as 'In contrast' and 'However' to signal shifts in the narrative. However, the progression of ideas is occasionally hindered by imprecise referencing, such as the phrase 'such a peak was never seen,' which lacks a clear antecedent. The use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus that connects smoothly to the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'annual revenue,' 'constant,' and 'peak.' However, there is some repetition of the word 'household' and 'income,' which limits the sophistication of your writing. Some word choices are slightly unnatural, such as 'houses of US citizens' instead of 'US households.' To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms and precise collocations related to data description, such as 'fluctuated,' 'remained stable,' or 'witnessed a significant surge.'

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'the number of houses of US citizens' (should be 'households') and 'while other four groups hold the same household income' (which is grammatically incomplete). Punctuation errors, such as missing spaces after commas (e.g., '2007,2011'), also occur. To reach a higher band, focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and refining your use of articles and prepositions to ensure your complex sentences are error-free.

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