Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 illustrates the breakdown of US households across five different annual income brackets in three specific years: 2007, 2011, and 2015.Overall, the most significant change occurred in the highest income bracket ($100,000 or more), which experienced notable growth over the period to become the largest category by 2015. In contrast, the mid-low income group ($50,000 to $74,999) remained relatively stable, consistently maintaining the lowest figures among all brackets.In 2007, the highest earning household bracket ($100,000 or more) stood at just under 30 million. This was slightly surpassed by households earning $25,000 to $49,999, which sat at roughly 27 million. The categories for less than $25,000 and $75,000 to $99,999 both hovered around 25 million, while the $50,000 to $74,999 bracket recorded the lowest count at approximately 21 million.By 2011, a shift occurred as the number of households earning less than $25,000 and those earning $25,000 to $49,999 both peaked at roughly 29 million. Concurrently, the highest income group dipped to about 27 million. However, by 2015, the trends reversed significantly. The $100,000 or more bracket grew dramatically, reaching a peak of approximately 33 million households. Meanwhile, the numbers for the lowest two income groups declined to around 28 million and 27 million respectively. Throughout the entire timeframe, the $50,000 to $74,999 bracket fluctuated minimally, staying just above 20 million.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends, such as the growth in the highest income bracket and the stability of the mid-low income group. The data is accurately selected and reported, with specific figures used to support the descriptions. You successfully identified the key shifts between 2007, 2011, and 2015, making relevant comparisons throughout the report. The information is well-organized, and the main features are highlighted, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Concurrently', and 'Throughout the entire timeframe' are used effectively to link ideas and guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the different income brackets is clearly articulated, demonstrating a high level of coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'breakdown', 'notable growth', 'consistently maintaining', and 'fluctuated minimally' with precision. The language is appropriate for an academic report, and there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common lexical items could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical resource is sufficient and used with flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('consistently maintaining the lowest figures') and subordinate clauses ('which experienced notable growth'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is handled correctly, and there are no slips that impede communication. The control over tense usage is consistent, accurately reflecting the historical data provided in the chart. The grammatical range is wide and used with good flexibility.

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