Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The pie chart illustrates the amount of households in the US measured in millions among their annual income during the years of 2007, 2011 and 2015.
Overall, the graph captured that most of households are pied annually over than $100,000 in both 2007 and 2015 although it felt to the third population in 2011. Meanwhile, households that earned annually $75,000 to $99,999 were considered the lowest proportion during the full period.
In 2007, approximately 29 million of households were considered the highest proportion by earing $100,000 or above which were decreased to approximately 28 million in 2011 and rose again to 33 million in 2015 . Moreover, the average of 27 and 25 million of household were next by earning $25,000 to $49,999 and less than $25,000 in 2007 and rose together reaching 30 million
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 fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you identify some main features, the analysis is incomplete. You mention the highest and lowest categories but fail to provide a comprehensive overview of all income brackets or the trends across the three years. The data reporting is also somewhat confusing; for instance, stating that households were 'pied annually' is unclear and inaccurate. To improve, ensure you cover all categories shown in the chart and provide a more structured comparison of the data points across the three years. The response is currently too brief to fully develop the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay has a basic structure with an introduction and body paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'in 2007' and 'in 2011'. The transition between the overview and the specific data is abrupt. Paragraphing is present, but the final paragraph is incomplete and lacks a clear conclusion or summary of the remaining data. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') to connect your sentences and ensure each paragraph has a clear, unified focus.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and contains several inaccuracies that hinder clarity. Phrases like 'most of households are pied annually' and 'felt to the third population' are non-standard and confusing. You rely on basic descriptors and struggle with precise terminology for data reporting. There is also a lack of variety in how you describe trends; for example, you use 'rose' and 'decreased' repeatedly. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'accounted for', and ensure your word choices accurately reflect the data presented in the chart.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. Examples include 'the amount of households' (should be 'number'), 'most of households' (should be 'most households'), and 'earing' (spelling error for 'earning'). Sentence structures are generally simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often contain errors, such as 'which were decreased to approximately 28 million'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before periods. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Practice writing complex sentences using relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions, ensuring you proofread for basic spelling and tense consistency.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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