Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-12

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 graph illustrates the number of US households based on their annual salary in 2007, 2011, and 2015.

Overall, over the given period, the lower income groups (below $50,000) and the highest income group ($100,000 or more) experienced fluctuations, while the middle-income brackets (between $50,000 and $99,999) saw no notable changes.

Looking at the details, US households that had a salary below $25,000 started at about 25 million in 2007. After displaying a minor increase to 28 million in 2011, the figure showed a slight drop to approximately 27 million in 2015. Households with $25,000 - $49,999 mirrored a similar pattern; having started at roughly 26 million in 2007, they increased slightly in 2011 and resulted in 27.5 million by the end of the period. In contrast, the over $100,000 group stood at just below 30 million in 2007, followed by a noticeable drop in 2011 to a low of approximately 27 million, before recovering to reach a peak of 33 million in the final year.

Regarding households with $50,000 - $74,999 and $75,000 - $99,999 incomes, both only saw slight alterations in their numbers. The $50,000 - $74,999 group hovered between 21 and 20.5 million, whereas the $75,000 - $99,999 category remained stable at around 14 to 15 million.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features and making relevant comparisons across the years 2007, 2011, and 2015. The overview clearly highlights the overall trends, distinguishing between fluctuating income groups and those with stable numbers. Specific details are reported accurately, such as the initial and final figures for households earning below $25,000 and the peak of 33 million for the over $100,000 group in the final year. The information is well-selected, and comparisons between the brackets are made effectively, fulfilling the requirements for an Academic Task 1 response at a high level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Information and ideas are logically sequenced with a clear overall progression throughout the text. The response is appropriately paragraphed, beginning with an introduction, followed by a concise overview, and then detailed body paragraphs dividing the data logically. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'Overall', 'Looking at the details', and 'In contrast', which help guide the reader smoothly through the comparisons without mechanical overuse. Referencing throughout the text is clear and precise.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to describing statistical data and trends. Phrases such as 'experienced fluctuations', 'minor increase', 'noticeable drop', and 'hovered between' are used naturally and precisely. There is good control of less common lexical items related to charts and graphs, and collocations are generally accurate. Only occasional minor word choices appear, but overall, the lexical resource is strong and allows for precise communication of the data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as participial phrases ('After displaying a minor increase...') and dependent clauses, integrated smoothly into the text. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates a strong command of grammar and punctuation. Control over tense usage for past data is consistent and accurate. Minor slips are very rare and do not impede comprehension, demonstrating solid grammatical control throughout.

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

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