Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-27
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 chart shows the number of US households in five annual income groups in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
Overall, high-income households rose, whereas the other groups remained fairly stable.
Firstly, in 2007 around 25% of householder income was less than 25,000$. While, 27 millions made $25,000 to $49,999 and 22 millions earned 50,000 to 74,999$. In contrast, almost 14% earned between $75,000 to $99,999 and in the same year more than 25% earned highest income 100,000 or more.
Secondly, during the 2011 year 28% USA citizen only $25,000 or less amount of income. Additionally 29% make $25,000 to $49,999 million which was the highest as compared with the previous data. Furthermore, 13% only make $75,000 to 99,999. However,more the 25% USA people earned $100,000 or more in the same year 2011.
Thirdly, in the last year 2015 the increased more the 34% earned $100,000 or more millions which was the highest than 2007 and 2011 year and 15% householders income $75,000 to $99,999 also increased in the same year. However 22% earned $50,000 to $74,999, 28% made $25,000 to $49,999 millions. Therefore, 26% earned less then $25,000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The student attempts to cover the main features of the bar chart, providing an introduction and overview, followed by body paragraphs detailing figures for 2007, 2011, and 2015. However, there are significant inaccuracies in reporting the data. For instance, the student confuses millions with percentages (e.g., writing 'around 25% of householder income was less than 25,000$') and struggles with precise data extraction, mixing up figures and categories. While the overview captures the main upward trend for high-income households, the body paragraphs contain confusing data representations and mathematical inaccuracies (such as stating '34% earned $100,000 or more millions'). This places the response in Band 5.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response is structured with an introduction, an overview, and separate body paragraphs for each year, utilizing sequential markers like 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'Thirdly'. However, the overall progression is heavily disrupted by poor integration of data and confusing sentence structures. Paragraphing is attempted, but individual paragraphs lack internal cohesion because sentences jump randomly between income brackets without clear logical links. Furthermore, referencing and cohesive devices are frequently inaccurate or misused, leading to a mechanical and disjointed feel. This level of organization and cohesive control aligns with Band 5.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The lexical range is limited and repetitive, with frequent errors in word choice, form, and unit representation. The student constantly confuses numbers, millions, and percentages (e.g., '27 millions made', '28% USA citizen only $25,000 or less amount'). There are also basic phrasing errors such as 'highest income 100,000 or more' and 'less then' instead of 'less than'. While some basic vocabulary related to income and numbers is present, the frequent misuse of lexical items and lack of precise vocabulary for data reporting restrict the score to Band 5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response shows a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying heavily on simple sentences and awkward attempts at complex or compound forms that are frequently faulty. Examples of grammatical errors include 'the increased more the 34% earned', 'more the 25% USA people earned', and missing verbs or prepositions. Punctuation is basic and occasional errors cause significant strain and confusion for the reader. Because simple structures contain frequent errors and complex attempts are consistently inaccurate, the writing meets the criteria for Band 4.5, rounded to Band 5.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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