Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-19
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 5.0)
The represented bar graph compares yearly earning of families in America in year 2007,2011 and 2015.
Overall, it is evident that the number of households whose annual income is highest have experienced noticeable increasement by the end of 2015.
To begin with, the number of families who only earned below $25,000 was sitting around 25 million in 2007, the number rose almost by 5 million in 2011. However, by year 2015 the number slightly decreased and sitting approximately at 27 million. Similarly, household whose yearly earning was $25,000-
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely impacts the ability to fully address the task. Because the text is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence, it fails to report on all main features or provide a comprehensive summary of the data. While the introduction and overview attempt to identify trends, the lack of development and the failure to complete the analysis of the categories mean the response is only a partial attempt at the task. To improve, you must ensure you complete the analysis of all data points and meet the minimum word count to allow for a full exploration of the information provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response shows some attempt at logical organization by using an introductory sentence and an overview. However, because the text is unfinished, the overall progression is interrupted. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with' and 'However' are used, but the abrupt ending prevents the development of a coherent structure. Paragraphing is also insufficient due to the limited length. To achieve a higher score, ensure that your ideas are fully developed and that you use a wider range of cohesive devices to link your sentences and paragraphs smoothly throughout the entire report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'represented bar graph', 'annual income', and 'noticeable increasement'. However, there are some inaccuracies, such as the word 'increasement', which is not standard English (the correct noun is 'increase'). The range of vocabulary is limited by the brevity of the response. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensure that word forms are used correctly. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and nouns related to data trends will also help you achieve a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'in year 2007,2011 and 2015' (missing articles and spacing) and 'household whose yearly earning was' (should be plural 'households'). The sentence 'the number rose almost by 5 million' is slightly awkward in phrasing. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of errors and the limited range of structures used due to the incomplete nature of the text prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and consistent use of articles.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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