Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-25
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 from five categories of goods in 2015 and 2016, measured in billions of dollars.
Overall, petroleum products generated the highest export earnings in both years, while textiles had the lowest figures in 2015. Most categories experienced an increase in export revenue in 2016, with the exception of gems and jewellery. Agricultural products remained almost unchanged.
In 2015, petroleum products earned approximately $61 billion, making them the largest source of export revenue. This figure rose slightly to around $63 billion in 2016. Similarly, earnings from engineered goods increased considerably, from about $57 billion to $62 billion. As a result, the gap between petroleum products and engineered goods became very small in 2016.
By contrast, gems and jewellery generated approximately $43 billion in 2015, but this figure declined slightly to around $41 billion the following year. Agricultural products showed virtually no change, with earnings remaining at about $31 billion in both years. Finally, textile exports increased significantly, rising from approximately $26 billion in 2015 to $31 billion in 2016.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5
The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by selecting and reporting the main features of the chart and table. An effective overview is provided, highlighting the highest and lowest earning categories as well as the general upward trend with the exception of gems and jewellery. Key data points, such as petroleum products generating around $61 billion in 2015 and rising to $63 billion in 2016, are accurately cited from the visual data. Comparisons are appropriately made, such as noting how the gap between petroleum products and engineered goods narrowed in 2016. All figures and trends align closely with the reference data, demonstrating a fully developed response that meets all requirements of Task 1.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of information. It begins with a general introduction, is followed by a concise overview paragraph, and then breaks down specific data into coherent body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different categories and comparisons. Cohesive devices are handled effectively without being overly mechanical, using transition phrases such as 'Overall', 'Similarly', 'By contrast', and 'Finally' to guide the reader smoothly through the text. Referencing is clear throughout, ensuring seamless logical sequencing.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.0
The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic report. Less common and precise reporting phrases are used effectively, such as 'generated the highest export earnings', 'experienced an increase', 'rose slightly', and 'remained almost unchanged'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, with terms like 'revenue', 'decline', and 'considerably' used naturally. There are no notable spelling or lexical errors, allowing the message to be communicated with precision and clarity.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The writing exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside accurate simple sentences. The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex forms are handled with good control, seen in constructions such as 'while textiles had the lowest figures in 2015' and 'making them the largest source of export revenue'. Grammar and punctuation are well managed throughout the response, with only occasional minor imperfections that do not impede communication in any way.
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