Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-23

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 8.0)

The bar chart illustrates the number of households in the United States, measured in millions, across five different annual income groups in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Overall, households earning $100,000 or more experienced the most significant change, despite a slight decline in 2011, and became the largest income group in 2015. In contrast, the two middle-income categories remained relatively stable throughout the period. The two lowest-income groups followed a similar pattern, rising in 2011 before falling slightly in 2015.

In 2007, around 25 million households earned less than $25,000 per year, while approximately 27 million earned between $25,000 and $49,999. Both figures increased in 2011, reaching about 28.5 million and 29.5 million respectively. By 2015, however, they had declined slightly to around 28 million and 28.5 million.

The number of households earning between $50,000 and $74,999 remained almost unchanged, at approximately 21–21.5 million. Similarly, the figure for those earning $75,000–$99,999 fluctuated only marginally, falling from about 14.5 million in 2007 to 14 million in 2011 before rising to 15 million in 2015.

Finally, households earning $100,000 or more numbered about 29.5 million in 2007. This figure fell to roughly 27.5 million in 2011, but then increased considerably to around 33 million in 2015, making it the highest figure shown on the chart.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main features, such as the significant growth in the highest income bracket and the relative stability of the middle-income groups. The data is accurately reported, and you have successfully made relevant comparisons across the three years provided. The overview is concise and effectively highlights the key trends, which is essential for a high band score. You have covered all parts of the task well, and the information is logically selected to provide a clear summary of the chart.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is well-structured with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the data, which makes the information easy to follow. You have used cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Similarly', and 'By 2015, however' effectively to link ideas and show relationships between the data points. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is smooth throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, demonstrating a high level of control.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. Phrases like 'experienced the most significant change', 'remained relatively stable', and 'fluctuated only marginally' demonstrate a sophisticated command of language suitable for an academic report. The terminology is accurate, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. You have successfully avoided repetition by using varied descriptors for the trends observed in the data, which contributes to the overall fluency of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have effectively used complex sentences, such as 'The bar chart illustrates the number of households... across five different annual income groups', and correctly employed subordinate clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no grammatical slips that impede communication, and the control over tense usage (past tense for the data years) is consistent and correct throughout the report.

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