Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-05
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 chart shows how much a country earns by exporting goods during the year [redacted phone], while the table illustrates the products exported during these years
A country's exports are mainly based upon petroleum and engineered goods which genrates most of the revenue as compared to other items, these goods made roughly around $58-60 billion dollars in year 2015 and around $70-71 billion dollars in year 2016. Other goods including gems jewellery, agriculture products and textiles which generates around $25-40 billion dollars each year.
The table shows the products that are exported, most item are textiles materials which makes 15-16% of the total exports while second place is secured by engineered goods which is around 8.5% of the total export category and gems and jewellery faced slight decrease in exports in both years.
The given information shows the products that have more demand in foreign market and many countries import such items in order to meet requirement in local market.
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 identifies some main features, such as the leading export categories, but it fails to provide a comprehensive overview. The data interpretation is inconsistent; for instance, the description of the table is inaccurate, as the table shows percentage changes, not the total percentage of exports as claimed. Furthermore, the response lacks a clear comparison between the two years provided in the chart. The final paragraph introduces external information about market demand, which is not present in the source data and is therefore irrelevant to the task. To improve, ensure all data points are accurately interpreted and focus strictly on the provided information.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the logical progression is weak. The transition between the chart analysis and the table analysis is abrupt. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often mechanical or misused, such as the comma splice in '...compared to other items, these goods made...'. Referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track which data points are being discussed. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus that connects logically to the next.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'makes 15-16% of the total exports' and 'second place is secured by' are somewhat informal or imprecise for an academic report. There are also errors in word choice, such as 'genrates' (spelling) and 'textiles materials' (redundant). The vocabulary is generally adequate to convey basic meaning, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more academic collocations and precise terminology related to data description, such as 'accounted for', 'experienced a decline', or 'fluctuated'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but accuracy is inconsistent. There are several grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues ('most item are', 'textiles... which generates') and punctuation errors, specifically comma splices. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to distract the reader. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and avoid joining independent clauses with only a comma. Practising the use of relative clauses and passive voice would also help improve the complexity and accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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