Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-18
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 chart illustrates the value of one country's exports in various categories during 2015 and 2016. The table chart present the proportion change in each category of exports in 2016 compared with 2015.
Overall, petroleum products sourced of earning and the highest proportion of the exports. The second largest share was engineered goods, however textiles had the lowest share of exports. Textiles major change in changes in value over the period.
To begin with, petroleum recorded the highest share of exports earning with 60 billions dollars in 2015, while it slightly rose to 62 billions dollars in 2016. Engineered goods second largest share of exports with 68 billions dollars, while it gradually increased to 62 billions dollars. Agriculture products and textiles had the lowest share in both years over 30 billions and 25 billions dollars.
Turning to the next details, Textiles experienced major changes in value at 15.24%. Furthermore, the proportion of gems and jewellery decreased to 5.18% in both years.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the data, but there are significant inaccuracies in the reporting of figures. For instance, you state that petroleum was 60 billion dollars in 2015, while the chart shows 60, and you mention engineered goods were 68 billion, which is not supported by the data. Furthermore, the description of the percentage changes is confusing and misinterprets the table. While you attempt to select and report main features, the lack of accuracy in data representation prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure that you carefully cross-reference the text with the provided visual data to avoid factual errors.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the logical progression is hindered by confusing transitions and unclear referencing. For example, the phrase 'Turning to the next details' is somewhat unnatural. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often mechanical or misused, such as the abrupt shift between the overview and the body paragraphs. The connection between the bar chart data and the table data is not clearly established, making the overall flow feel disjointed. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus would enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'petroleum products sourced of earning' and 'major change in changes'. You rely on basic descriptors like 'highest share' and 'lowest share' repeatedly. While you attempt to use some topic-specific vocabulary, the errors in word choice and collocation occasionally impede the clarity of your message. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology for describing trends and data, and ensure that your word choices are grammatically appropriate for the context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that affect readability. Examples include 'The table chart present the proportion change' (subject-verb agreement) and 'Textiles major change in changes' (missing verb/awkward structure). There are also issues with pluralisation and article usage, such as '60 billions dollars'. While the meaning is generally understandable, these recurring errors demonstrate a lack of control over complex structures. To improve, focus on basic grammatical accuracy, particularly subject-verb agreement and the correct use of quantifiers and plural forms.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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