Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-28
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 5.5)
The given bar chart provide information regarding the number of households in the US by their annual income in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
Overall, the bulk of households went to $1000,000 or more, while less than $25,000 received minimal attention. Notable difference between exist the nation in terms of priorities.
Firstly, with regard to in 2007, approximately 25 millions households earning less than $25,000 per year. This figures increased to 28 millions in 2011 before falling slightly to 27 millions in 2015. Similarly, households earning between $25,000 and $49,999 rose from around 27 millions in 2007 to 30 millions in 2011. However, then declined marginally 28 millions in 2015.
In terms of, the number of households in the $50,000-$74,999 category remained stable to 21 millions in all three years. Meanwhile, households earning $ 75,000-$99,999 accounted for approximately 14 millions in 2007 and 2011, in 2015, this category accounted slightly rise to 15 millions. In addition, the number of households earning $ 100,000 or more accounted to 29 millions in 2007 to 27 millions in 2011. However, then rose sharply to approximately 33 millions in 2015.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
You have successfully identified the main trends and provided relevant data points for all categories. However, the overview is problematic. You state that the 'bulk of households went to $100,000 or more,' which is not consistently supported by the data, and the second sentence regarding 'priorities' is unclear and irrelevant to the chart. While you cover the categories, the analysis lacks a clear, accurate summary of the overall patterns. To improve, ensure your overview highlights the most significant changes or the most prominent income brackets across the period rather than making vague claims.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Firstly,' 'Similarly,' and 'However.' However, there are instances where the flow is interrupted by awkward phrasing, such as 'In terms of, the number of...' and 'However, then rose sharply.' These transitions feel mechanical or incomplete. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words more naturally and ensure that each sentence connects smoothly to the previous one without grammatical gaps.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, such as 'accounted for,' 'remained stable,' and 'rose sharply.' However, there are several errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'received minimal attention' (which is not an appropriate way to describe income data) and 'this category accounted slightly rise.' Additionally, there is a recurring error with pluralisation, such as '25 millions' instead of '25 million.' Improving your precision and ensuring correct usage of numerical expressions will significantly enhance your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
Your writing contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'The given bar chart provide information' (subject-verb agreement), 'Notable difference between exist the nation' (word order/syntax), and 'remained stable to 21 millions' (preposition error). While the meaning is generally understandable, these persistent errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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