Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-24
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 5.0)
The bar graph illustrates the annual income for the number of households in the US in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
Overall, the most noticeable feature is the number of households in 2015 shows the maximum number of annual income. Whereas, In 2007 it shows the minimum number of the annual income.
In detail, the number of households in 2007 for less than $25,000 showed moderate which was 25 millions, $25,000-$49,999 showed utmost which was around 25 millions, $50,000-$74,999 showed least which was around 20 millions , $75000-$99,999 showed slightest which was around 15 millions and $100,000 or more showed topmost which was 30 millions. By contrast, the number of household in 2011 for less than $25,000 showed biggest which was around 25 millions, $25,000-$49,999 showed highest which was 30 millions, $50,000-$74,999 showed lowest which was around 20 millions, $75000-$99,999 showed smallest which was around 10 millions and $100,000 or more showed extreme which was around 25 millions.
Subsequently, the number of annual income of households in 2015 for less than $25,000 and $25,000-$49,999 showed most which was around 26 millions and 28 millions respectively, $50,000-$74,999 showed least which was around 20 millions , $75000-$99,999 showed minimal which was 15 million and $100,000 or more showed supreme which was 33 millions.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response attempts to cover the main features of the chart, providing specific figures for different income brackets across the three years. However, there are significant issues with the interpretation and reporting of the data. For instance, the overview states that the number of households in 2015 shows the maximum number of annual income and in 2007 the minimum, which is factually confusing and does not accurately capture the overall trends. Furthermore, the detailed body paragraphs rely heavily on repetitive, vague descriptors like 'showed utmost,' 'showed topmost,' and 'showed extreme' rather than clear, accurate comparisons of the actual data provided in the prompt. While some data points are mentioned, the lack of a clear, coherent summary of the main trends limits the effectiveness of the response, aligning it with a Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response is structured into an introduction, an overview, and detailed body paragraphs. However, the logical progression is weak. The overview fails to provide a clear summary of the overall trends, instead offering confusing statements. Within the body paragraphs, cohesive devices are extremely repetitive and mechanical, relying almost entirely on phrases like 'In detail,' 'By contrast,' and 'Subsequently.' Additionally, referencing is frequently unclear, and the excessive listing of individual categories without a clear thematic thread makes the text difficult to follow. Paragraphing is attempted, but the internal organization of ideas prevents a higher score, placing this criterion at Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used throughout the essay is basic, repetitive, and often unnatural. The student consistently misuses descriptive adjectives to characterize data points, using phrases such as 'showed utmost,' 'showed slightest,' 'showed topmost,' and 'showed supreme' instead of standard statistical language. There is very little evidence of less common lexical items, and the range is restricted to simple terms directly lifted from the prompt. While some numbers and basic units of measurement are correctly deployed, the persistent awkwardness in word choice and lexical repetition restricts the score to a Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The essay displays a limited range of grammatical structures, relying heavily on repetitive subject-verb patterns such as '[category] showed [adjective] which was [value].' Complex sentence forms are attempted but are frequently faulty or awkwardly constructed, often resulting in run-on sentences. There are noticeable errors in grammar, such as missing plural markers or incorrect prepositions ('the annual income for the number of households'). However, despite these frequent errors and the lack of structural variety, communication is generally not severely impeded, as the reader can still discern the basic data points being referenced. This performance fits the Band 5.0 descriptors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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