Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-30

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)

In 2007, roughly 29 million households earned $100,000 or more, making it the largest category, followed by the $25,000-$49,999 bracket at around 27 million. Approximately 25 million households earned less than $25,000. The $50,000-$74,999 and $75,000-$99,999 brackets were considerably lower, at about 21 million and 14 million respectively.

In 2011, the $25,000-$49,999 bracket became the largest at nearly 30 million, closely followed by the less than $25,000 group at around 28.5 million. The number of households earning $100,000 or more fell to approximately 27.5 million, while the $50,000-$74,999 bracket stayed at about 21 million. The $75,000-$99,999 bracket remained the smallest, at roughly 14 million.

In 2015, the number of households earning $100,000 or more rose sharply to about 33 million, the highest figure on the chart. By contrast, the less than $25,000 and $25,000-$49,999 groups changed only slightly, at around 27.5 million and 28 million respectively, while the two middle-income brackets remained close to their previous levels.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by selecting, reporting, and comparing the main features of the US household income chart across the three given years (2007, 2011, and 2015). The response accurately highlights key data points, such as the highest and lowest categories and significant shifts over time, including the sharp rise in the top income bracket by 2015. Data is accurately cited from the visual information provided with only minor, acceptable approximations (e.g., stating roughly 29 million instead of 29.5 million). The overview is integrated well throughout the body paragraphs as the student tracks the changing rankings of the categories over time, fulfilling all criteria for a strong performance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The text is logically organized and easy to follow. The student uses a clear chronological paragraph structure, devoting one paragraph to each year (2007, 2011, and 2015). Cohesive devices such as 'In 2007', 'In 2011', 'In 2015', 'By contrast', and 'while' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data and establish clear comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately and supports the progression of ideas. Referencing is clear throughout, contributing to a smooth and coherent reading experience.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for this task type. Words and phrases such as 'category', 'bracket', 'considerably lower', 'sharply', and 'previous levels' are employed effectively. There is good control of collocation and style suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Although there is limited use of highly sophisticated or uncommon lexical items, the vocabulary used is precise, natural, and entirely adequate to convey the statistical trends without any impediment to communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The student uses a good variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'making it the largest category, followed by...'). Grammatical accuracy is very high, with the vast majority of sentences completely error-free. Control over tense usage for past data is consistent and accurate. Minor punctuation and structural slips are virtually non-existent, reflecting a high level of grammatical control appropriate for a Band 8 score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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