Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-08
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 5.5)
The table and chart illustrates the number of visitors to Ashdown Museum and their satisfaction level during the year before and after it was refurbished.
Overall we can see that the number of visitors to Ashdown Museum rose dramatically after the refurbishment and their satisfaction levels also increased significantly.
Initially during the year before refurbishment the total number of visitors to museum were 74000 but during the year after refurbishment the number of visitors rose to 92000 that is almost quarter times more visitors comparing to the previous year.
After that in the survey conducted for understanding the satisfaction level of the visitors we can that in the year before refurbishment the very satisfied percentage of visitors were only 15% but after the year of refurbishment that percentage rose to 35%. Also the percentage of people who were very dissatisfied came down to 5% from 10% in the previous year compared. so we can see that refurbishment did increase satisfaction and number of visitors to the museum
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the data, including the increase in visitor numbers and the shift in satisfaction levels. You successfully identified the key trends, such as the rise from 74,000 to 92,000 visitors and the improvement in 'very satisfied' ratings. However, the analysis is slightly underdeveloped. For instance, you mention the visitor increase is 'almost quarter times more,' which is mathematically imprecise and confusing. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with precision and that comparisons are clearly articulated. The overview is present but could be more distinct from the body paragraphs to better highlight the overall trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, moving from an overview to specific details. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'After that' and 'Also' are used to link ideas, but the flow between sentences could be smoother. There is a lack of sophisticated transition words to connect the data points more effectively. Additionally, the final sentence is a run-on and lacks proper punctuation, which disrupts the logical progression of your conclusion. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear sentence boundaries will significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main points, such as 'dramatically,' 'refurbishment,' and 'satisfaction level.' However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'quarter times more' is not standard English for describing a 25% increase. Additionally, the phrase 'the very satisfied percentage of visitors were' contains a subject-verb agreement error. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure that your vocabulary is used in the correct context. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and adverbs would also help to better illustrate the trends shown in the charts.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the total number of visitors... were') and missing articles (e.g., 'to museum'). The final sentence is particularly problematic, as it lacks a full stop and uses a run-on structure. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy, such as pluralisation and verb agreement, will help you achieve a more professional and error-free tone.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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