Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)

The provided bar chart delineates the distribution of United States households across five distinct annual income brackets over three specific years: 2007, 2011, and 2015. The data is measured in millions of households.

Overall, it is evident that while the number of households in the lowest income tiers experienced an initial rise before plateauing, the highest income bracket saw a notable dip followed by a substantial surge, ultimately becoming the dominant demographic by the end of the period. Conversely, middle-income groups remained remarkably stable throughout the eight-year timeframe.

Looking first at the most significant shifts, the most affluent demographic (earning $100,000 or more) comprised approximately 30 million households in 2007. Although this figure contracted slightly to roughly 28 million by 2011, it rebounded vigorously to peak at over 33 million in 2015, making it the most populous single category. Meanwhile, the two lowest income brackets followed a parallel trajectory. Households earning under $25,000 and those making between $25,000 and $49,999 stood at roughly 25 million and 27 million respectively in 2007. Both categories climbed to nearly 30 million in 2011, before stabilizing just below that mark in 2015.

Turning to the middle-income brackets, the figures exhibited minimal fluctuation. The number of households earning between $50,000 and $74,999 remained virtually static at approximately 21 million across all three recorded years. Similarly, the $75,000 to $99,999 income tier consistently represented the smallest segment of the US population, maintaining a steady presence of roughly 14 to 15 million households from 2007 through to 2015.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all key features, including the trends for the lowest and highest income brackets and the stability of the middle-income groups. The overview is clear and effectively synthesises the main trends without simply listing data. You have made relevant comparisons, such as noting that the highest income bracket became the most populous by 2015. The data is accurately reported, and the selection of information is highly relevant to the task requirements. There are no omissions, and the response provides a comprehensive summary of the provided chart.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overall summary, the significant shifts, and the stable middle-income brackets. Cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'Meanwhile', and 'Turning to' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is skilful, and the referencing is precise, ensuring that the relationship between the different income groups and the years is always clear. The flow of information is smooth and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'delineates the distribution', 'rebounded vigorously', 'parallel trajectory', and 'virtually static' show a high level of lexical control and precision. The word choices are not only accurate but also stylistically appropriate for an academic report. There are no errors in collocation or word choice, and the vocabulary used is varied enough to avoid repetition while maintaining clarity throughout the text. This is a very strong performance in terms of lexical range and accuracy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with full flexibility and accuracy. You effectively use subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and varied sentence lengths to maintain interest and clarity. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors. The control over tense and aspect is perfect, reflecting the historical nature of the data. Every sentence is error-free, and the overall structure of the report is sophisticated and well-balanced, meeting the criteria for the highest band.

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