Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-28

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 data of export earnings of a country in five categories in two different eras of 2015 and 2016. The table provides data regarding the change in the proportion of these five categories in two years.

Overall, exports in four categories increased in 2016, but there is one exceptional case in which exports surpassed in 2015.

In 2015, petroleum products had 60 billion dollars, but in 2016, it increased by 3% and moved to around 62 billion dollars. Engineered goods followed the same pattern of increment, going from around 55 billion dollars in 2015 to an increase of 8.5% and jumping to 60 billion dollars in 2016. The exceptional case in Gems, where exports declined by 5.18% and were around 45 billion dollars in 2015 as compared to around 40 billion dollars in 2015.

There was a slight change in agriculture products, where it was around 30 billion dollars in 2015 but a minor increment of 0.81% and moved to 33 billion dollars in 2016. The highest surge by proportion was in textiles, where increment of 15.24% and exports jumped from around 20 in 2015 to around 35 billion dollar in 2016.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features and provided relevant comparisons. You covered all categories and included data from both the chart and the table. However, there are some inaccuracies in your reporting of the data. For instance, you stated that Gems exports were 'around 45 billion dollars in 2015 as compared to around 40 billion dollars in 2015', which is a logical error as both figures refer to the same year. Additionally, your calculation of the 2016 values based on the percentages provided is sometimes inconsistent with the visual data presented in the bar chart. To improve, ensure that your data points are accurately transcribed and that your comparisons clearly distinguish between the two years.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group the data by category. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In 2015', 'followed the same pattern', and 'The exceptional case' helps the reader follow the progression of ideas. However, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. While paragraphing is used appropriately, some of the referencing is slightly mechanical. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the logical flow between sentences is more sophisticated.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, including terms like 'illustrates', 'proportion', 'increment', and 'surged'. However, there are some word choice errors and awkward phrasings, such as 'two different eras of 2015 and 2016' (years are not eras) and 'exports surpassed in 2015' (which is grammatically unclear). You also repeat the word 'around' frequently. To improve, try to use more precise synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' and avoid repetitive phrasing. Expanding your range of reporting verbs and adverbs would also help demonstrate a more flexible control of language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'The exceptional case in Gems, where exports declined' (missing a verb) and 'around 20 in 2015 to around 35 billion dollar' (missing the plural 'dollars'). There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and preposition usage. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy, particularly with pluralization and sentence completeness.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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