Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-20
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 given bar chart shows the value of one country,s export in various categories during 2015 and 2016.
The first category is petroleum products, in 2015 the export earnings by petroleum products is 60 billion dollars whereas in 2016 the export earning is 62 billion dollar. The second category is engeered goods in 2015 around 55 billion dollars are spent on engineered goods whereas $ 60 billion are spent on engineering goods in 2016.
The third category is gems and jewellery in 2015 around 42 billion dollars are allocated on gems and jewellery whereas in 2016, exactly 40 billion dollars are spent on gems and jewellery. The next fourth category is agricultural products in 2015 30 billion dollars are spent on agricultural products whereas in 2016 33 billion dollars are allocated on agricultural products.
The last category is textiles in 2015, the money allocated on textiles is 22billion dollars whereas 30 billion dollars are spent on textiles in 2016.
To conclude the highest export earning is from petroleum products which is 60 billion dollars other than this the lowest is from textiles which comes out to be 25 billion dollars in 2015 and 30 billion dollars in 2016.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the chart, but it fails to incorporate the data from the table provided in the prompt. The instructions explicitly asked to report the percentage change, which is a key component of the task. By ignoring the table, the response is incomplete. Furthermore, the overview is weak; it merely restates the highest and lowest values rather than identifying significant trends or patterns across the categories. To improve, ensure all parts of the prompt are addressed and provide a clear summary of the overall trends rather than just listing data points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps readability. However, the progression of ideas is mechanical and repetitive. Each paragraph follows the same 'Category X in 2015 was Y, whereas in 2016 it was Z' structure, which lacks variety. Cohesive devices are limited and often misused; for instance, 'other than this' is not an appropriate way to transition between data points. The conclusion is also somewhat disconnected from the body paragraphs. Using a wider range of linking words and varying sentence structures would improve the flow and logical progression of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, relying heavily on phrases like 'spent on' or 'allocated on' to describe export earnings, which is inaccurate in this context (exports are sold, not spent). There are also spelling errors such as 'engeered' instead of 'engineered'. While the range is sufficient to convey basic information, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. To improve, use more varied verbs related to economic data, such as 'generated', 'accounted for', 'witnessed a rise', or 'fluctuated', and ensure accurate terminology for the subject matter.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains several grammatical errors, including punctuation issues like 'country,s' instead of 'country's' and inconsistent verb tense usage. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, as most sentences are simple or compound with repetitive 'whereas' clauses. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequent errors in basic grammar and punctuation, combined with a limited range of structures, prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and incorporating more complex sentence forms, such as relative clauses or participle phrases, would significantly enhance the quality of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.