Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-21

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 compares the number of US households in five different annual income groups, namely less than $25,000, $25,000–$49,999, $50,000–$74,999, $75,000–$99,999 and $100,000 or more, in 2007, 2011 and 2015. The figures are measured in millions.

Overall, households earning $25,000–$49,999 and $100,000 or more accounted for the highest figures, while the $75,000–$99,999 group had the lowest number of households. It is also noticeable that the number of households earning $100,000 or more increased significantly over the period.

Looking first at households earning less than $25,000, the figure stood at approximately 25 million in 2007, before increasing to 29 million in 2011 and then falling slightly to 28 million in 2015. Similarly, the number of households earning $25,000–$49,999 rose from around 27 million in 2007 to 30 million in 2011, before decreasing slightly to 29 million in 2015. Meanwhile, households in the $50,000–$74,999 category remained stable at approximately 21 million throughout the period.

Turning to the remaining income groups, the number of households earning $75,000–$99,999 stood at about 14 million in 2007 and 2011, before rising slightly to 15 million in 2015. Finally, households earning $100,000 or more increased from approximately 29 million in 2007 to 28 million in 2011, before rising considerably to 33 million in 2015.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing an accurate summary of the chart by grouping categories logically and reporting key features and comparisons. The introduction clearly paraphrases the prompt, and the overview highlights the main trends, noting the highest groups and the significant increase in households earning $100,000 or more. The data cited throughout the body paragraphs—such as the 25 million in 2007 for the lowest bracket and the 33 million in 2015 for the highest bracket—closely matches the visual data provided. The response satisfies all requirements of Task Achievement at a high level, presenting a well-developed and factual overview without any major omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is exceptionally well-structured and easy to follow. Ideas are logically sequenced, beginning with an accurate introduction and overview, followed by well-organized body paragraphs that logically divide the income categories. Cohesive devices such as 'meanwhile', 'turning to', and 'finally' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different sections of the chart. Referencing is clear throughout, and overall progression is smooth and natural, earning a strong band score in this category.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to academic report writing. Phrases like 'accounted for the highest figures', 'remained stable throughout the period', and 'rose considerably' show good control of collocation and style. There is appropriate use of less common vocabulary items (e.g., 'category', 'significantly', 'approximately'). While there is a minor contradiction in the final sentence where the student states the highest group 'increased from approximately 29 million in 2007 to 28 million in 2011' (which is slightly inaccurate compared to the visual data of 29.5 dropping to 27.5), the lexical range remains competent and adequate for a high band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The student displays a wide range of grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. Complex sentence forms are handled adeptly, incorporating participial phrases ('before increasing to...', 'before decreasing slightly...') and subordinate clauses smoothly. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over tense and punctuation is strong. Minor slips do not impede communication at all. The control of grammar supports the clear progression of ideas, demonstrating consistent command across the entire response.

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