Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-19
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 7.5)
The bar chart illustrates the export earnings of a particular nation across five distinct product categories in 2015 and 2016, measured in billions of dollars. The accompanying table delineates the percentage fluctuation in the value of these exports between the two years.
Overall, the country saw an increase in export value in almost all categories over the two-year period, with petroleum products and engineered goods generating the highest revenue. Conversely, gems and jewellery was the only sector that experienced a decline in export value. In terms of the highest earners, petroleum products topped the list, rising slightly by 3% from around $222 billion in 2015 to roughly $230 billion in 2016.
Engineered goods saw a more pronounced growth of 8.5%, with export values climbing from $57 billion to approximately $62 billion. Looking at the remaining categories, agricultural products remained relatively stable, experiencing a modest growth of 0.81% to reach roughly $31 billion in 2016. Textiles witnessed the most dramatic percentage surge, growing by 15.24% to finish at over $30 billion.
In stark contrast, gems and jewellery proved to be the sole exception to this upward trend; its export value dipped by 5.18%, falling from approximately $43 billion in 2015 to roughly $41 billion by the end of 2016.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and successfully selected and reported key features from both the chart and the table. The comparison between the two years is well-integrated, and the data is accurately represented. For example, you correctly identified the growth in petroleum products and the decline in gems and jewellery. The inclusion of specific figures from the data supports your points well, meeting the requirements for a Band 8 performance by covering all parts of the task with well-developed ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organised, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group information effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'In terms of', and 'In stark contrast' are used naturally to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different categories and trends. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is coherent and follows a logical sequence, which is characteristic of a Band 8 response.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise reporting of the data. Phrases such as 'delineates the percentage fluctuation', 'pronounced growth', and 'dramatic percentage surge' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are accurate and appropriate for an academic report. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with a high degree of naturalness, fitting the criteria for a Band 8 score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and tense is excellent. For instance, the use of participial phrases like 'rising slightly by 3%' and 'growing by 15.24%' adds variety and sophistication to your writing. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few structures used are handled with high accuracy, consistent with a Band 8 level.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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