Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-09

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 bar chart illustrates information about annual households income in the USA by three different years, 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Overall, the proportion of households income between $25,000-$49,999 remained relatevly stable, while both lowest income category was $25,000 and highest earning category $100,000 shown an upward trends.

Looking at the details, households income which is less than $25,000 has 25 millions number of households at 2007, while it grew slowly nearly to 27 million in 2011, after that, it faced slightly decreased to 26 millions in 2015. Moreover, households which income was $25,000-$49,000 was at 27 millions in 2007, whereas grew slowly at 28 millions in 2015.

In contrast, income at $50,000-$74,999 was at 21 million at the started of figure, which remained same at the end of 2015. Also, households which income was $100,000 at 29 million in 2007, after that, it grew significantly around to 33 millions in 2015. This figure continues shown an upward trend at the end of figure.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the chart’s subject and report several relevant categories, including the stable $50,000–$74,999 group and the rise in households earning $100,000 or more. However, the overview is unclear and partly inaccurate: the $25,000–$49,999 group did not remain stable, and the lowest-income group rose overall from about 25 million to 28 million, rather than showing a clear upward trend only as phrased. Some figures also differ from the chart: the under-$25,000 category was about 28.5 million in 2011 and 28 million in 2015, while the $25,000–$49,999 category reached about 29.5 million in 2011. The $75,000–$99,999 category is omitted. Select the main highs, lows and changes more accurately, and make the overview a clear summary of them.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview and two detail paragraphs. The contrast marker “In contrast” helps signal a shift between income groups, and the information is generally understandable. However, progression is weakened by unclear references such as “This figure” and “at the end of figure,” which make it difficult to know exactly which category or year is meant. Some linking is also mechanical, particularly the repeated use of “after that” and “Moreover.” Group the categories more deliberately and use precise references—for example, repeat “the $100,000-or-more group” rather than relying on “this figure.” This would make the comparisons easier to follow and the cohesion less repetitive.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant chart vocabulary such as “remained,” “decreased,” “significantly” and “upward trend,” showing an attempt to describe movement and comparison. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate, sometimes making the meaning unclear. For example, “annual households income” and “households income” are not natural ways to describe the categories; “household income” or “households earning” would be more appropriate. “The proportion” is also unsuitable when the chart gives numbers of households, not percentages. Spelling errors such as “relatevly” further reduce accuracy. Aim for precise terms such as “number,” “category,” “rose” and “remained stable,” and check spelling and collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mixture of simple and longer sentences, including comparisons introduced with “while” and “whereas,” and the overall meaning can usually be followed. However, errors in sentence structure, verb forms, agreement and articles occur across the response. For instance, “both lowest income category was” has incorrect agreement and article use, while “which remained same” needs an article. Several clauses are incomplete or awkwardly joined, as in “Also, households which income was $100,000 at 29 million in 2007.” Use complete structures such as “The number of households earning $100,000 or more stood at 29.5 million in 2007, then rose…” Check that each sentence has a clear subject and verb, and maintain consistent past-tense reporting.

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