Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-16
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 4.0)
The bar graph represents the number of households in the us by their annual income in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
overall it is clear that in every year the household income is gradually increased. meanwhile, some households continued remaining at the same number.
In, 2007 number of 15 households remained around same number in different years, while in 2017 the number decreased and gradually roses again in 2015.
on contrary, 30 households has increased in 2017and decreased a bit in 2011 around 29 households
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.0 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is severely under-length at only 84 words, falling well short of the 150-word minimum requirement. Consequently, the task can only be addressed partially. While the student attempts to introduce the chart and provide an overview, the details provided in the body sentences are confused, inaccurate, and fail to make meaningful comparisons based on the data. For instance, statements regarding '15 households' and '30 households' misinterpret the numerical values on the axes. Due to the under-length penalty and the lack of a properly developed account of the main features, this response meets the criteria for Band 4.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0
The text is organized into four very brief paragraphs, attempting a traditional structure with an introduction, overview, and body details. However, the logical progression is disrupted by confusing sentences and poor referencing, such as 'In, 2007 number of 15 households remained around same number'. Cohesive devices are either missing or misused, with clumsy transitions like 'meanwhile' and 'on contrary'. Paragraphing is technically present due to line breaks, but the lack of development prevents any real cohesion or flow. Overall, the structural organization falls into the Band 4.0 category as information and ideas are not arranged coherently enough to follow easily.
Lexical Resource — Band 4.0
Vocabulary usage is very basic and repetitive. The student uses standard reporting verbs like 'represents' and 'increased', but struggles with precise terminology related to statistical charts. There are awkward word choices and phrasing, such as 'gradually roses' instead of 'rose gradually' or 'increased gradually'. The limited range of vocabulary is barely adequate to communicate the topic, and precision is lacking throughout. Because the lexical selection is restricted and contains noticeable word-form and collocation errors that hinder clarity, a Band 4.0 is appropriate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0
The grammatical range is extremely limited, consisting mostly of simple and attempted complex sentences that contain frequent structural errors. Examples include punctuation and capitalization errors ('us', 'overall'), missing prepositions ('In, 2007'), incorrect verb forms ('gradually roses'), and poorly constructed relative or comparative clauses ('30 households has increased in 2017and decreased'). These frequent grammatical errors cause strain for the reader and impede meaning. The control of grammar and punctuation places this response firmly at Band 4.0.
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.