Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-07

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 6.0)

The bar chart illustrates the number of households in the United States, measured in millions, across five distinct annual income brackets for the years 2007, 2011, and 2015.

Overall, it is clearly shown that the highest income bracket ($100,00 or more) and the lowest income bracket (less than $25,000) remained the two largest categories throughout the years. In contrast, the mid income group ($50,000-$74,999) remained constant to 21 million over the three specific years.

In 2007, the number of households earning $100,000 or more were recorded highest amongst all under 30 million. Although this figure experienced a slightly decline to approximately 27 million in 2011, it dramatically increased to 33 million by 2015. Similarly, the lowest income bracket (less than $25,000) showed changes in figures; it started with 25 million in 2007, then rose to 29 million in 2011, and ended at 28 million by 2015.

However, the number of households having $25,000-$49,999 income demonstrated relative stability, standing steadily between 26 and 27 million over the years. Moreover, the families earning $75,000-$99,999 were the least in numbers amongst all the groups.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main features and trends. You have successfully highlighted the key categories and provided relevant comparisons across the three years. The overview is clear and captures the essential information. However, there is a minor inaccuracy in the data reporting: you stated the mid-income group ($50,000-$74,999) remained constant at 21 million, whereas the chart shows it fluctuating slightly. Additionally, the claim that the $75,000-$99,999 group was the 'least in numbers' is incorrect, as the $50,000-$74,999 group is actually lower in some years. Accuracy in data interpretation is crucial for a higher band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, and you have used a range of cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Similarly', and 'However' to link your points effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different income groups. While the flow is generally smooth, some of the transitions could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Overall, the structure supports the reader's understanding of the data presented.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the data, including terms like 'income brackets', 'remained constant', 'experienced a slight decline', and 'demonstrated relative stability'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, which is appropriate for this task. However, there are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'recorded highest amongst all under 30 million' and 'least in numbers', which slightly impact precision. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and comparative phrases would help elevate this score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used some complex forms effectively, such as 'Although this figure experienced a slight decline... it dramatically increased'. There are a few grammatical slips, such as 'the number of households... were recorded' (should be 'was recorded' to agree with 'number') and 'slightly decline' (should be 'slight decline'). Despite these occasional errors, your grammar is generally accurate and does not impede communication. To reach a higher band, ensure subject-verb agreement and consistent use of word forms.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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