Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-23

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 7.0)

The bar chart illustrates the number of US households, in millions, in five different annual income groups in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Overall, the number of households earning $100,000 or more increased considerably over the period, while the figures for the other income groups changed only slightly. Households earning $50,000–$74,999 remained almost unchanged.

In 2007, there were about 25 million households earning less than $25,000. This figure rose to approximately 29 million in 2011, before falling slightly to 28 million in 2015. The number of households in the $25,000–$49,999 group followed a similar pattern, increasing from around 27 million in 2007 to 30 million in 2011, and then declining slightly to 29 million.

The figure for households earning $50,000–$74,999 stayed at about 21 million in all three years. Similarly, the $75,000–$99,999 group changed very little, at around 14–15 million households. In contrast, the number of households earning $100,000 or more rose from 29 million in 2007 to 33 million in 2015, despite a small fall to 28 million in 2011.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by selecting and reporting the main features of the US household income chart for 2007, 2011, and 2015. An effective overview is provided, highlighting the considerable increase in the highest income bracket compared to the relative stability of others. Key data points are accurately cited, such as the peak of the $100,000 or more group and the consistent figures for the $50,000–$74,999 category. The comparisons are relevant and accurately reflect the provided visual data, fulfilling all requirements for a Band 7 performance under this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically by income categories across the three years. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with a clear introduction, an overall summary paragraph, and detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'before falling slightly', and 'In contrast' are employed effectively to link ideas and guide the reader smoothly through the data, demonstrating a strong command of textual cohesion fitting a Band 7 or Band 8 level.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Appropriate lexical items related to data reporting are used, such as 'considerably', 'rose', 'approximately', and 'declining slightly'. There is an attempt to use less common phrasing ('followed a similar pattern', 'stayed at about'). Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, and spelling is correct throughout, supporting a solid Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including participial phrases ('before falling slightly to 28 million in 2015') and time clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control of grammar and punctuation is consistently good. Minor slips are virtually absent, and the grammatical structures effectively support the precise communication of numerical data, warranting a Band 7.5 score.

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