Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The bar chart illustrates the number of US households, measured in millions, across five different annual income brackets in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Overall, the most notable feature is the substantial increase in the number of households earning $100,000 or more, which became the largest income group by 2015. By contrast, the $75,000–$99,999 category consistently accounted for the fewest households. The remaining income groups experienced relatively modest fluctuations over the period.

In 2007, approximately 25 million households earned less than $25,000 per year, while the figure for those earning $25,000–$49,999 was slightly higher, at around 27 million. About 21 million households fell into the $50,000–$74,999 bracket, and approximately 15 million earned between $75,000 and $99,999. The highest-income group, meanwhile, comprised roughly 29 million households, making it the largest category at the time.

By 2011, the number of households earning under $25,000 had risen to approximately 29 million, while the $25,000–$49,999 group reached 30 million, the highest figure recorded among the lower and middle-income categories. In contrast, the number of households earning $50,000–$74,999 fell slightly to around 21 million, and the $75,000–$99,999 group decreased marginally to 14 million. The highest-income category also declined slightly, to about 28 million.

In 2015, most categories remained relatively stable. The two lowest-income groups stood at approximately 28 million and 29 million, respectively, while the $50,000–$74,999 category remained at around 21 million. The $75,000–$99,999 group recovered slightly to about 16 million. Most strikingly, however, the number of households earning $100,000 or more surged to approximately 33 million, making it clearly the largest income category and representing an increase of about 4 million households compared with 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified and reported the main features of the data, providing a clear overview and supporting it with accurate, well-selected data points. You effectively compared the trends across the three years, noting both the stability in some categories and the significant shift in the highest-income bracket. The information is logically grouped, and the summary is fully developed, meeting all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from the overview to the specific details of 2007, 2011, and 2015. Cohesive devices such as 'By contrast,' 'In the meantime,' and 'Most strikingly' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different time periods, ensuring the information is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases like 'modest fluctuations,' 'consistently accounted for,' and 'surged to' show a high level of control and an ability to use less common lexical items naturally. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic nature of the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing displays a wide range of complex structures with high accuracy. You use a variety of sentence forms, including subordinate clauses and comparative structures, with consistent control. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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.