Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-10
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The chart below shows the value of one country’s exports in various categories during 2015 and 2016. The table shows the percentage change in each category of exports in 2016 compared with 2015.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The Bar Graphs describe information about the value of one country's exports categories in billions from 2015 to 2016 and the table describes information about change in each category of exports in percentage from 2015 to 2016.
The export of petroleum products is the highest than other four products. Nearly 60 billions $ petroleum products export earnings in 2015 and 2016. Engineered goods export earnings was 55 billion$ and 65 billion $ in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Export earning of Engineered goods was higher in 2016 than 2015. Gems and Jewellery export earnings were similar in both year that was 40 billion $. Agriculture products was also similar export earnings in 2015 and 16 that was 30 billion $. The lowest export earnings in textiles as compared to other export products. In 2015, Approximately 20 billion $ and in 2016, Nearly 30 billion $ export earnings in textiles product.
Tables shows that the changes values in percentage. 3% changes in petroleum products in both years. 8.5 percentage change in engineered products. 5.18% change in gems and jewellery. 0.81% percentage change in agricultural products. The highest change in Textiles that was 15.24% as compared to other products.
Overall, The highest export earnings from Petroleum products and the lowest earnings in Textiles.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by reporting on both the bar chart and the table. You have identified the main features, such as the highest and lowest export categories. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, listing data points rather than synthesising them effectively. For instance, you could have grouped the categories by growth trends rather than listing them individually. While the overview is present, it is quite brief. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more analytical, focusing on the relationship between the value and the percentage change, rather than just restating the figures provided in the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive. You rely heavily on simple sentence structures and lack a variety of linking words to connect ideas smoothly. For example, the transition between the description of the bar chart and the table is abrupt. To improve, try using more sophisticated transition signals such as 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' or 'Conversely' to show the relationship between the different data sets and to improve the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. You frequently repeat words like 'export earnings' and 'products'. There are also some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'highest than other four products' (should be 'higher than the other four') and 'changes values' (should be 'percentage changes'). To improve, try to incorporate a wider range of synonyms and more precise terminology related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'experienced a significant increase'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the' is often missing), subject-verb agreement ('Tables shows'), and preposition usage. Additionally, the sentence structure is often fragmented or repetitive. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are noticeable and occur throughout the text. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring correct verb tenses, and paying closer attention to pluralisation and the use of articles before nouns.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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