Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-27
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 outlines the value of a country's exports in different sections (Petroleum products, engineered goods, gems and jewellery, agricultural products and textiles) between 2015 and 2016 whereas the tabular chart alteration the proportion of illustrations in every single export category. The units are measured in billions dollar.
Looking from an overall perspective, it is apparent that the highest earning was from petroleum products while the least earning from textiles export. Moreover, the maximum change in values was in textiles while the minimum change was in agricultural products.
According to the bar graph, in 2015, the country earns around 60 billion dollars from the export of petroleum products while in 2016 the earning from this field was increased at around 63 billion dollars. In 2015 and 2016 they earned approximately 57 and 62 billion dollars respectively from the export of engineered goods. However, there earning from gems and jewellery export was about 42 and 41 billion dollars in both years. From agricultural products exports, they earned just above 30 billion dollars in 2015 to 2016. While, the country earns approximately 27 and 32 billion dollars in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
As per the table chart, an insignificant figures of changes were seen in petroleum products in [redacted phone] whereas in engineered goods there was big changes of around 8.5%. Furthermore, 5.18% changes were in gems and jewellery and 0.81% in agricultural products. Interestingly, there was a huge change in the field of textiles at around 15.24%.
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 identifying the main features and comparing the data. You successfully highlighted the highest and lowest earners and noted the percentage changes. However, the analysis is slightly hindered by some inaccuracies in data reporting. For instance, you mention agricultural products earned 'just above 30 billion' in 2015 to 2016, which is vague and slightly inaccurate compared to the chart. Additionally, the description of the table as 'tabular chart alteration' is confusing. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are cited with greater precision and that the relationship between the bar chart and the table is explained more clearly.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, moving from an overview to specific details. You use some cohesive devices like 'Moreover', 'However', and 'Furthermore' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by awkward phrasing, such as 'tabular chart alteration the proportion of illustrations'. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the transition between the bar chart data and the table data could be smoother. While the overall progression is logical, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly misused, which prevents the response from reaching a higher band.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'petroleum products', 'engineered goods', and 'proportion'. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and awkward collocations, such as 'tabular chart alteration', 'insignificant figures of changes', and 'big changes'. These errors do not impede communication, but they limit the sophistication of the response. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensuring that word forms (e.g., 'earning' vs 'earnings') are used correctly in context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt to use complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'the highest earning was from petroleum products while the least earning from textiles export' (missing verbs) and 'there earning from gems and jewellery' (incorrect homophone 'there' instead of 'their'). Subject-verb agreement and tense consistency are also inconsistent throughout the text. These errors are noticeable but rarely prevent the reader from understanding the intended meaning. Increasing the accuracy of basic structures will help improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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