Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

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 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview that identifies the most significant trends, such as the growth in the highest income bracket and the relative stability of the middle-income groups. The data is accurately selected and reported, with specific figures used to support the main features. The comparison between categories is well-handled, and the structure allows for a logical progression of information. You have successfully highlighted the key differences and similarities across the three years provided, meeting all requirements for a high-level response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group information effectively by income category. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Similarly', and 'By 2015, however' are used naturally to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different trends, which enhances the overall readability. The progression of ideas is smooth, and each paragraph focuses on a distinct aspect of the chart, ensuring that the information is presented in a coherent and easy-to-follow manner.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'experienced the most significant change', 'remained relatively stable', and 'fluctuated only marginally' show a sophisticated command of language. The vocabulary is precise and used accurately throughout the text. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language is consistently formal and objective, which is exactly what is required for Task 1. The use of varied reporting verbs and descriptive adjectives adds to the clarity and professionalism of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and accurate use of comparative structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly. You show excellent control over tense usage, shifting appropriately between the past and present contexts of the data. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over sentence structure is consistent, and the flow is natural, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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