Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-03

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 provides information about the number of US households in five annual income groups in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Overall, households earning between $75,000 and $99,999 represented the smallest group throughout the period, while those earning between $50,000 and $74,999 formed the second smallest category. Households earning $100,000 or more formed the largest group in 2007 and 2015, whereas the $25,000–$49,999 category recorded the highest figure in 2011.

Households earning between $75,000 and $99,999 remained the smallest group over the eight-year period. The figure started at just under 15 million in 2007, fell slightly in 2011 and then rose to around 15 million by 2015. As regards households earning between $50,000 and $74,999, the figure remained virtually unchanged at approximately 21 million throughout the period.

In terms of households earning less than $25,000 and those earning between $25,000 and $49,999, their figures were relatively similar, although the latter group was slightly larger in each year. The numbers ranged from around 25 to 30 million, with the $25,000–$49,999 category reaching the highest value among all five groups in 2011. Finally, households earning $100,000 or more numbered approximately 29 million in 2007 and 28 million in 2011, before rising considerably to around 33 million in 2015, the highest figure recorder that year.

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 trends and successfully selected and reported the main features, such as the fluctuations in the $100,000+ category and the stability of the $50,000–$74,999 group. Comparisons are made throughout, and the data is used accurately to support your points. The summary is well-balanced, covering all income groups and years provided in the chart. To reach a higher band, ensure that the most significant trends are highlighted even more prominently in the overview to provide a sharper analytical focus.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You use paragraphing effectively to separate the overview from the detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'whereas', 'as regards', and 'in terms of' are used appropriately to link information. The flow between sentences is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is coherent, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information with precision. Phrases like 'remained virtually unchanged', 'recorded the highest figure', and 'rising considerably' show a good command of language. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, and the word choice is generally accurate and appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms or collocations related to data trends could further enhance the lexical variety and precision of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('while those earning...', 'whereas the $25,000–$49,999 category recorded...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over grammar and punctuation is strong. There is a minor slip in the final sentence ('highest figure recorder' instead of 'recorded'), but this is a rare error that does not impede communication. Your ability to maintain accuracy while using a mix of simple and complex sentence forms is commendable.

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