Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-28

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 6.5)

The bar chart illustrates the number of households in the United States by their annual income in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Overall, the number of households earning $100,000 or more increased over the period, while the other income groups changed only slightly. The $100,000 or more group had the highest number of households in 2015, while the $75,000–$99,999 group had the lowest number throughout the period.

In 2007, the number of households earning less than $25,000 was about 25 million, while the figure for those earning $25,000–$49,999 was around 27 million. The $50,000–$74,999 and $75,000–$99,999 groups had about 21 million and 14 million households respectively. The highest figure was for households earning $100,000 or more, at about 29 million.

In 2011, the first two groups increased to around 29 million and 30 million respectively. The $50,000–$74,999 group stayed at about 21 million, while the $75,000–$99,999 group remained at around 14 million. The figure for households earning $100,000 or more was about 28 million. By 2015, this group increased to about 33 million, while the other groups changed only slightly, ranging from about 15 million to 29 million.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the US household income chart for the years 2007, 2011, and 2015. An effective overview is provided, highlighting the general upward trend of the highest income bracket compared to the relative stability of other groups. Specific data points are correctly cited from the chart, such as the figures for the $100,000 or more group (e.g., about 29 million in 2007 and 33 million in 2015) and the lowest group ($75,000–$99,999). Comparisons are made appropriately across categories and years. All data points referenced are accurate according to the visual source. The response fulfills all requirements for a Band 7 performance under Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is organized in a clear, logical progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph, followed by a well-defined overview, and then body paragraphs structured chronologically (one for 2007 and one combining 2011 and 2015). Cohesive devices are used appropriately to connect ideas and make comparisons, such as 'while the other income groups', 'respectively', and 'by 2015'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring that information about each year is clearly separated. The logical flow is maintained throughout, fitting the Band 7 descriptor for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Phrases like 'illustrates the number of households', 'annual income', and 'remaining at around' are used accurately. Less common vocabulary items and phrases related to data description, such as 'changed only slightly' and 'highest figure', are integrated effectively. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While the vocabulary control is solid and meets the criteria for Band 7, it stops just short of the wider, highly flexible range required for a Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The student employs a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses introduced by 'while' and 'as'. Grammatical accuracy is high, with frequent error-free sentences throughout the text. Verb tenses are used correctly to describe past data ('illustrated', 'increased', 'remained'). Punctuation is accurate, and sentence boundaries are well-managed. The control of grammar is strong, though the range of complex structures is somewhat standard, aligning well with the Band 7 descriptor where good control is demonstrated alongside frequent error-free sentences.

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