Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-31

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 noticeable increase and became the largest income group in 2015. In contrast, the $75,000–$99,999 category was consistently the smallest, while the number of households earning $50,000–$74,999 remained stable.

In 2007, approximately 25 million households earned less than $25,000, while the figure for those earning $25,000–$49,999 was slightly higher, at 27 million. By 2011, these figures had risen to around 28 million and 30 million respectively. In 2015, they remained relatively stable at approximately 28 million and 29 million. Meanwhile, the $50,000–$74,999 group remained unchanged at about 21 million throughout the period.

The number of households earning $75,000–$99,999 stood at around 15 million in 2007, fell slightly to 14 million in 2011, and then returned to 15 million in 2015. Households with an income of $100,000 or more accounted for about 29 million in 2007 and 28 million in 2011. However, this figure rose considerably to 33 million in 2015, making it the largest category.

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 of the main trends and successfully selected key data points to support your summary. The comparison between the income groups is accurate, and you have correctly identified the most significant changes, such as the growth in the $100,000+ category. The data is presented clearly, and the distinction between the three years is maintained throughout the report. All requirements of the prompt have been met with a high level of clarity and focus.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data effectively. The progression of ideas is smooth, and you use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'However' to link your points. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different income categories. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between the data points is easy to follow, which demonstrates a high level of control over the structure of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'remained relatively stable', 'accounted for', and 'rose considerably' are used accurately. The terminology is precise, and there is no evidence of repetitive or basic language. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or nuanced reporting verbs could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports the clear communication of the data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of complex sentence structures used throughout the text. You demonstrate excellent control over tense usage and punctuation. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not impede communication in any way. The use of comparative structures and time markers is handled with precision, contributing to the overall readability and professional tone of the report.

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