Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-09

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 chart illustrates about different levels of annual income( in millions) earned by the households living in the US in three different years i.e- 2007, 2011 and 2015.

overall, the chart shows a competition between different amounts earned by the normal us residents.

The years 2007 and 2015 both showed a same pattern of highest and the lowest income levels, both are dominated by the incomes of ' 100,000$ or more ' it is earned by the highest number of people among all the income levels and the income that is earned by the least number of individuals i.e ' $75,000 -$99,999 ' not only in these two years but also it was lowest in 2011.

The income of ' $25,000-$49,999 ' is earned by the highest number of people in 2011 and least in the year 2007. The income level of '$50,000-$74,999' shows a same level in all the three years and the people with the income less than 25000$ shown an increase in 2011 and again decreased in 2015.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the chart, but the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you identify the highest and lowest income categories, the description lacks precision in comparing the data points across the three years. For instance, stating that the $50,000-$74,999 category shows a 'same level' is inaccurate, as the chart shows clear fluctuations. Furthermore, the overview is weak; it describes the data as a 'competition,' which is not an appropriate way to summarize statistical trends. To improve, focus on identifying clear trends (increases, decreases, or stability) and provide more accurate comparisons of the figures.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the logical progression is hindered by awkward phrasing and a lack of cohesive devices. Transitions between sentences are often missing or mechanical, such as the abrupt start to the second paragraph. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to follow which year or category is being discussed. Using a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' 'Conversely') would significantly improve the flow and clarity of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'competition between different amounts' and 'normal us residents.' Additionally, there are minor errors in punctuation and formatting, such as the inconsistent placement of the dollar sign and the use of 'i.e-'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more academic collocations and ensure that your terminology is precise when describing statistical data.

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 years 2007 and 2015 both showed a same pattern' (should be 'the same pattern') and 'the people with the income less than 25000$ shown an increase' (should be 'showed an increase'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of apostrophes and parentheses. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage will help improve your accuracy.

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