Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-02
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)
Task-1
The provided bar chart illustrates information regarding the number of households in the us by their annual income during 2007, 2011 and 2015.
Overall, the proportion of annual income from $ 75,000 -$99,999 accounted for smallest figure, meanwhile, annual income from $100,000 or more demonstrated exceptionally proportion.
During 2007, 2011 and 2015, the number of US household by annual income from 75,000 - 99,999 US dollar expressed 15 millions up to 2015, On the other hand, year income from 100,000 or more highlighted US dollars highlighted around 30 millions in initial year, 28 millions in middle year, whereas, in 2015 it raised approximately 34 millions. Additionally, annual income outcomes from 50,000 - 74,999 showed data around 21 million all the years.
Moving to the further information of annual income which was less than 25,000 US dollars depicted 25 millions in 2007, although, during the 2011, it significantly increased almost 30 millions, besides this, in the final year, it represented remarkably inclined nearly 34 millions. The comparative data of number of household by annual income from 25,000 - 49,999 indicated roughly 27 million household in provided year, notably, during the 2011, its ratio was considerably climbed up to 30 millions, nonetheless, it accounted for almost 28 millions household in final year.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the chart, but the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. While you identify the trends for most income brackets, the overview is slightly inaccurate; for instance, you describe the $100,000+ category as having an 'exceptionally proportion,' which is grammatically unclear and lacks precision. Additionally, some data points are misstated or described in a way that makes the comparison difficult to follow. To improve, ensure that your overview clearly highlights the most significant trends (e.g., the growth in the highest and lowest income brackets) rather than just listing categories. Ensure that all data points are accurately transcribed from the chart to support your summary effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused. Phrases like 'Moving to the further information' and 'besides this' feel forced and do not always create a smooth flow between sentences. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track which income bracket is being discussed. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words more naturally and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through the data.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary range is limited and often repetitive. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'exceptionally proportion,' 'highlighted US dollars,' and 'remarkably inclined.' These errors occasionally impede the clarity of your message. You rely heavily on basic descriptors like 'increased' or 'represented.' To improve, try to incorporate more precise vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'fluctuated,' 'remained stable,' or 'peaked.' Additionally, pay attention to collocations; for example, 'ratio was considerably climbed' is incorrect usage. Focusing on accurate word choice will significantly enhance the professional tone of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that affect readability. Issues include incorrect verb forms ('expressed 15 millions'), missing articles ('in the us'), and awkward phrasing ('the number of US household by annual income'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and capitalization. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors prevents the text from reaching a higher band. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions to improve the accuracy of your sentences.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.