Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-07-27

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The table below shows the numbers of visitors to Ashdown Museum during the year before and the year after it was refurbished. The charts show the result of surveys asking visitors how satisfied they were with their visit, during the same two periods.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The table compares the number of visitors to Ashdown Museum during the year before and the year after its refurbishment, while the pie charts illustrate the results of surveys on visitors’ satisfaction in the same two periods.

Overall, the museum became more popular after the refurbishment, and visitors expressed much higher levels of satisfaction. At the same time, the proportions of dissatisfied and very dissatisfied visitors declined considerably.

The total number of visitors increased significantly from 74,000 before the refurbishment to 92,000 afterwards, an increase of 18,000.

Regarding visitor satisfaction, only 15% of respondents were very satisfied before the refurbishment, while 30% were satisfied. In contrast, 40% were dissatisfied, 10% were very dissatisfied, and the remaining 5% gave no response.

Following the refurbishment, the figures improved markedly. The percentage of very satisfied visitors more than doubled to 35%, and the proportion of those who were satisfied rose to 40%. Meanwhile, the share of dissatisfied respondents fell sharply to 15%, and only 5% reported being very dissatisfied. The proportion of visitors who gave no response remained unchanged at 5%.

Overall, the refurbishment had a positive impact on both visitor numbers and satisfaction.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

You have successfully addressed all parts of the task. You provided a clear overview of the main trends and supported these with accurate data from both the table and the pie charts. The comparison between the two periods is well-integrated, and you correctly identified the key features, such as the increase in visitor numbers and the shift in satisfaction levels. The response is well-structured, and the data is presented accurately without any significant omissions. You have effectively highlighted the contrast between the 'before' and 'after' states, which is essential for this type of task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and separate body paragraphs for the data analysis. Each paragraph has a clear focus, and the progression of ideas is smooth. You have used a good range of cohesive devices, such as 'In contrast', 'Following the refurbishment', and 'Meanwhile', which help to guide the reader through the information. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information precisely. Phrases like 'declined considerably', 'increased significantly', and 'improved markedly' demonstrate a good command of lexical items appropriate for describing trends. The vocabulary is natural and fits the context of a data report well. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task and shows no significant errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

Your writing displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The grammar is consistently accurate, and there are no errors that impede communication. You have used a variety of structures, such as subordinate clauses ('while the pie charts illustrate...') and comparative constructions, effectively. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is strong. The writing is clear, professional, and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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