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 bar chart show the annual income of us household and the years are [redacted phone] and 2015.
In 2007 the less than $25,000 only 25 millions number has there then in $25000-$49999 there are approx 26 to 27 millions numbers of household
is there but in $50000-$74999 there are approx21 million number of households there and by this we can say that highest now is the between $25000-$49999 but in $75000-$99999 there is only 14 million numbers of house hold there but in $[redacted phone] or more has the highest number of household number around 29 million.
However in 2011 the less than $25000 has 28 million numbers of household but in $25000-$49999 there are approx 30 million and also the highest in the year then in $50000-$74999 has approx 22 million number of household then in $75000-$99999 has approx14 million numbers of household then on the highest pay [redacted phone]or more has 23 million numbers of household in usa by its income.
as in 2015 every thing change and the $[redacted phone]or more has approx 34 million allmost highest among the three years and $25000-$49999 is the second place at 29 million number of household in usa
By this graph we can see that the us household annual income is more than $[redacted phone] or more in 2015.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the chart, such as the trends in income categories over the three years. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, listing figures rather than synthesizing information effectively. While the overview identifies the highest category in 2015, it lacks a clear, concise summary of the overall trends across the period. Some data points are slightly inaccurate or confusingly presented, such as the description of the 2007 data. To improve, focus on grouping data logically and highlighting significant changes or contrasts rather than describing each year in isolation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organized into paragraphs, but the flow between sentences is repetitive and lacks variety. The use of cohesive devices is very limited, relying heavily on 'but' and 'then' to connect ideas. This makes the text feel like a list of observations rather than a cohesive report. Paragraphing is present, but the internal structure of the paragraphs is weak, with little logical progression. To improve, use a wider range of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' 'Conversely') to guide the reader through the data.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'number of household' and 'there are' are used excessively throughout the text. There is little attempt to use academic or precise vocabulary to describe trends (e.g., 'fluctuated,' 'remained stable,' 'surpassed'). Spelling errors, such as 'allmost,' and grammatical inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'highest pay' instead of 'highest income bracket,' limit the clarity of the report. Expanding your range of synonyms and learning collocations related to data description will significantly improve your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response relies almost entirely on simple sentence structures. There is a lack of complex sentence forms, and the punctuation is inconsistent, with missing commas and periods. Frequent grammatical errors, such as 'the bar chart show' (subject-verb agreement) and 'every thing change' (tense error), occur throughout. Additionally, the phrasing is often awkward, such as '25 millions number has there then,' which impedes readability. To reach a higher band, you must practice using a mix of complex structures and ensure basic subject-verb agreement and tense consistency.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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