Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-02

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 6.0)

The bar chart provides information about the number of household in the US by their annual income the three different years in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Overall, the figure for $[redacted phone] or more recorded for the highest proportion of US households, whereas the figure for $75000-$99999 recorded the lowest figure throughout the period.

In 2007, the figure for $[redacted phone] or more had the highest proportion, at approximately 30 million, followed by $25000-$49999 at around 28 million. By comparison, households with anual come less than $25000 and $50000-$74999 had considerably lower figures, at 25million and 21 million respectively, while the figure for $100k or more recorded the lowest number, at approximately 15 million.

By 2015, the figure for $100k or more increased to around 33 million, making it the highest figure. By contrast, households with $50000-$74999 remained stable, while the $75000-$99999 figure increased slightly to 15 million, remaining the lowest level throughout the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses the main parts of the task by providing an overview and mentioning data for the years 2007, 2011, and 2015. However, some parts of the task are under-developed or inaccurate. For example, in the third paragraph, the writer states that households earning '$100k or more recorded the lowest number, at approximately 15 million' in 2007, which contradicts the actual chart data where this bracket had the highest number and the lowest bracket was actually $75,000–$99,999. Furthermore, the selection of data is sometimes confusing, mixing up categories and overall totals, which prevents a fully clear and accurate summary of the visual information. To reach a higher level, the writer needs to ensure all reported figures accurately reflect the source data and provide a more thorough and precise selection of key trends.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear attempt at a logical structure, divided into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific years. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader, such as 'Overall', 'In 2007', and 'By comparison', though referencing and transitions can occasionally become mechanical or repetitive. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction and overview from the detailed body paragraphs, contributing to the overall readability of the text. Progression is generally maintained throughout, although minor confusion with data points slightly disrupts the logical flow. To improve further, the writer should ensure that referencing words clearly point to the correct subjects and refine the logical links between comparative statements.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully conveying general trends and categories from the chart. The writer attempts some less common vocabulary and phrases, such as 'proportion', 'considerably lower', and 'remained stable', demonstrating an acceptable range. However, there are some noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as writing 'number of household' instead of 'households', 'anual come' instead of 'annual income', and occasionally misapplying terms like 'proportion' versus 'figure'. Fortunately, these lexical slips and spelling errors do not impede communication. To achieve a higher band, the writer should expand their range of precise reporting vocabulary and eliminate basic slips in word formation and collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing structures like subordinate clauses and comparative constructions effectively. There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, such as missing plural markers ('number of household') and prepositional inaccuracies, but these errors rarely impede communication. The control over verb tenses used to describe past data is generally acceptable. To reach a higher band, the writer needs to produce a greater frequency of error-free complex sentences and exercise tighter control over grammatical agreements, articles, and prepositions.

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

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