Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-07

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 5.5)

The rendered bar chart depicts the information about the number of households in the united states across different annual income categories in 2007, 2011, and 2015.

Regarding the two lowest and middle income brackts, under $25000 it increased from 25 million in 2007 to 29 million in 2011, and then it falls to 27 million in 2015. moreover, under $25000 to $49,999 rose from 27 million to 29 million in 2011, and then it dropping to 28 million in 2015 and Thereafter,under $50,000 to $74,999 remained completely flat at around 21 million throughoutv all three years.

furthermore, under $75,00, to 99,999 it was stayed the lowest group, hovering between 14 and 15 million in the year. afterthat, under $1,00,000 or more it dipped fromnearly 30 million in 2007 to 27 million in 2011, then surged to a peak of over 33 million in 2015 that are very highest rate from another one and making it the most prominent category overall by the end of the period.

overall, households earning $1,00,000 or more and the lowest income brackets consistently comprised the largest share of us households.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the three years and cover all five income groups, with several relevant trends: the $50,000–$74,999 group is described as stable, and the $100,000-or-more group is correctly shown dipping before reaching its highest level in 2015. However, some figures and comparisons are inaccurate: the under-$25,000 group is about 28 million in 2015, not 27 million, and the $75,000–$99,999 group is not the lowest in every year because the $75,000–$99,999 figures are indeed the lowest, but this point is not clearly compared across the period. The overview is also imprecise: the lowest-income group was not consistently among the largest, and the $25,000–$49,999 group is omitted from the summary. Select the main contrasts more accurately and state them clearly in the overview.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, grouped descriptions of income categories, and a concluding overview. This helps the reader follow the broad sequence of information. However, progression within paragraphs is weakened by awkward or unclear linking, such as “and Thereafter” and “afterthat,” and the repeated use of “then” makes the account feel list-like. The final overview also introduces a broad claim without clearly connecting it to the figures discussed. Use separate, clearly organised paragraphs for the overview and key comparisons, and link related trends with more precise transitions. Check punctuation and spacing around connectors so that the relationships between ideas are easy to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant chart vocabulary, including “remained,” “hovering,” “dipped,” and “surged,” which helps describe changes rather than merely list figures. However, the range is limited and several word choices or forms are inaccurate or unclear, for example “brackts,” “it was stayed,” and “that are very highest rate.” The repeated “under” is also unsuitable for introducing income bands such as $25,000–$49,999 and $100,000 or more. Use the category labels consistently and choose precise terms such as “households earning” or “income band.” More accurate collocations and careful spelling would make the report clearer and more natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, including clauses that describe changes over time, but control is inconsistent. Verb forms are often faulty: “it increased … and then it falls” shifts tense, “it dropping” lacks a finite verb, and “it was stayed” uses an incorrect passive construction. The sentence beginning “under $1,00,000 or more” also ends with “that are,” creating an unclear agreement and clause structure. Capitalisation and punctuation are inconsistent, particularly after full stops and around “moreover.” Aim to use past simple consistently for the chart period, and build each comparison around a clear subject and verb. Shorter, accurately punctuated sentences would help establish control before adding more complex structures.

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