Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-08
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)
The bar chart compares information on annual income and number of households in the US during three periods: 2007, 2011, and 2015.
Overall, the number of households experienced a slight decrease in 2011, but later recorded a steady growth, reaching the highest number close to 35 millions of households with income of $[redacted phone] or more, this category remained its high number over all periods.
In 2007 the highest number were among households with $[redacted phone] or more income, while in 2011, the highest rate reached households with $[redacted phone]9, which were around 30 millions, the second place were less than $25000, and income $[redacted phone] or more saw the number of a slight more than 25 millions.
By 2015, the figure for $[redacted phone] or more have plunged, and reached the rate close to 35 millions, the highest result overall. Households with income of $[redacted phone]9 were at the second place, with the number of close to 30
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the chart, such as the trends for the highest income bracket and the $25,000–$49,999 group. However, the analysis is hampered by significant inaccuracies in data interpretation. For instance, you state that the $100,000+ category 'plunged' by 2015, whereas the chart shows it actually increased. Additionally, the description of the 2011 data is confusing and contradicts the visual evidence. While you attempt to report the main features, the lack of precision in reading the data points prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure you carefully verify the figures against the axes before writing.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the flow of ideas is often interrupted by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. For example, the use of 'the second place were less than $25000' is grammatically disjointed and makes the logical progression difficult to follow. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often applied incorrectly or in a way that creates confusion rather than clarity. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each sentence logically follows the previous one will significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision required for a higher band. You use basic descriptors like 'highest number' and 'highest rate' repeatedly. There are also some errors in word choice, such as 'remained its high number' (should be 'maintained') and 'the number of a slight more than' (should be 'slightly more than'). To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'remained stable', and ensure that your collocations are accurate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'the highest number were among households' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'the figure for $100000 or more have plunged' (incorrect verb tense/agreement). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas to separate independent clauses, which leads to run-on sentences. Focusing on basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring that your verb tenses are consistent throughout the report will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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