Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-26
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 illustrates the number of households in the
US by their annual income in 2007, 2011 and 2075.
Overall, it is clear that, 100 or more millions accounted
for the largest number of US households over the
period in 2007 and 2015. Meanwhile
In 2007, 100 or more millions represent the highest
number of annual income which accounted for 30 millions.
25 and 49 millions were ranked second in US households
at about 27 millions. Less than $ 25 millions
comprised of 25 millions. $ 75 to $ 99 recorded
the lowest number of households by annual income which
accounted for $ 75 millions.
In 2011, The number of US household accounted
for $ 25 to $ 49 recorded the largest number of
household which accounted for $ 30 millions, compare with
2007, it was slightly increased. Less than $ 25 millions
ranked in second at less than 30 million and $ 75 to
$ 99 recorded the lowest number of household.
In 2015, $ 700 or more million represented the highest
number of household which accounted around $ 35 millions.
$ 25 to $ 49 million of number ranked second which
was slightly more than less than $ 25,000 number of
US households. Over the 3 year period $ 75 to $ 99
millions were recorded the lowest figure of
US household. In 2075 it accounted for $ 75 millions.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to summarize the data but suffers from significant inaccuracies in data interpretation. The student frequently confuses income brackets with the number of households (e.g., stating '$75 to $99 recorded the lowest number of households... which accounted for $75 millions'). The data points are often misread or mislabeled, leading to a failure to accurately report the main features. While the response covers the years provided, the confusion between currency values and population counts makes the information unreliable. To improve, ensure you clearly distinguish between the categories (income levels) and the values (number of households).
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by confusing data reporting. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the abrupt transition 'Meanwhile' at the end of the second paragraph. Referencing is often unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between years. While there is an attempt at an overview, it is underdeveloped and lacks clarity. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus would help the flow of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is repetitive and limited, relying heavily on basic structures like 'accounted for' and 'recorded the lowest number'. There are frequent errors in word choice, particularly in the misuse of units (e.g., using '$' before population figures). The student struggles to use precise terminology to describe trends, such as 'slightly increased' or 'ranked in second'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate a wider range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'peaked', and ensure that units of measurement are used correctly.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The number of US household accounted for...'), incorrect preposition usage, and awkward sentence construction. While there is an attempt to use complex sentences, they are often grammatically flawed. Punctuation is generally functional, but the misuse of currency symbols and numbers creates confusion. To improve, focus on basic sentence structure and ensure that the subject and verb agree, while also practicing the correct placement of modifiers and units.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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