Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-03

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 6.5)

The table compares the total number of visitors to Ashdown Museum in the year preceding and following its renovation. Meanwhile, the pie charts illustrate visitor satisfaction levels measured across the same two periods. Overall, total attendance to the museum grew significantly after the refurbishment. Additionally, overall visitor satisfaction improved dramatically, with a substantial shift from dissatisfied to satisfied responses. Regarding total attendance, the museum recorded 74,000 visitors prior to the renovation. Following the upgrades, this figure rose markedly by nearly 25% to reach 92,000.

In terms of visitor feedback, dissatisfied visitors formed the largest group before the renovation at 40%, while those who were extremely dissatisfied accounted for 10%. Conversely, only 30% were satisfied and 15% were very satisfied, with the remaining 5% providing no response.

However, after the refurbishment, customer sentiment reversed sharply. The proportion of satisfied attendees increased to 40%, and those who were very satisfied more than doubled to 35%. In contrast, dissatisfaction dropped heavily, with dissatisfied visitors declining to 15% (assumed based on standard graph totals) and extremely dissatisfied responses halving to 5%, matching the proportion of non-respondents (5%).

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion6.5
Lexical Resource6.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.5
Overall6.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends in both visitor numbers and satisfaction levels. The data is accurately selected and compared, with specific figures used to support the main features. For instance, you correctly identified the 25% increase in attendance and the shift in satisfaction categories. The comparison between the two periods is well-integrated, and the report is balanced, covering all aspects of the provided visual data without omitting key information. The summary is concise and meets the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response perfectly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression of ideas. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Conversely', 'However', and 'In contrast', which help guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview, the attendance data, and the satisfaction survey results. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the structure supports the overall clarity of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'preceding and following its renovation', 'recorded 74,000 visitors', and 'customer sentiment reversed sharply' show a high level of lexical control. You use less common items with precision, and there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. The vocabulary is varied and contributes to the professional tone of the response. The language is natural and sophisticated, fitting the requirements for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used both simple and complex sentences, such as 'The proportion of satisfied attendees increased to 40%, and those who were very satisfied more than doubled to 35%'. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text.

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