Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-11

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 shows the number of visitors to Ashdown Museum during the year before and the year after it was refurbished. The charts illustrates the result of surveys asking visitors how satisfied they were with their visit, during the same two periods. The total number of visitors who visited Ashdown museum before renovation were 74,000 which is less than the number of visitors after renovation which were 92,000 in numbers.

Before the restoration of Ashdown museum only 15% visitors were very satisfied but after the restoration was done, 35% visitors lie in very satisfied category. The satisfaction category held 30% visitors while guests became more satisfied after the renovation and increased to 40%.

When the museum was not refurbished, a large amount of 40% visitors was dissatisfied during their visit and when museum was refurbished the amount of dissatisfaction for the visitors dropped to 15%. Before the restoration of gallery 10% of visitors counted in a survey for very dissatisfaction category and it improved to 5% after restoration.

5% guests did not gave response, not before reconditioning nor after it.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task by reporting the visitor numbers and the satisfaction survey results. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as the increase in visitor numbers and the shift from dissatisfaction to satisfaction following the refurbishment. However, the report lacks a clear overview or summary paragraph that highlights the most significant trends at the beginning or end. Additionally, some data points are slightly imprecise, such as describing 40% as a 'large amount' rather than focusing on the comparative shift. To improve, ensure you provide a clear summary of the main trends and avoid subjective language, focusing instead on the data provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with each focusing on a specific aspect of the data (visitor numbers, satisfaction levels, and non-responses). However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. For instance, the phrase 'Before the restoration' is used multiple times at the start of sentences, which limits the flow. The transition between the visitor numbers and the satisfaction survey could be smoother. To improve, try using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas more fluidly, and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence to guide the reader through your analysis.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used an adequate range of vocabulary to describe the data, such as 'renovation', 'restoration', and 'satisfied category'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'did not gave response' is grammatically incorrect and uses a weak verb phrase. Additionally, 'very dissatisfaction category' is not standard English; 'very dissatisfied' would be more appropriate. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensure that your word forms are correct. Avoid repeating the same words frequently and try to incorporate more varied descriptors for the data trends.

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 hinder the flow. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues, such as 'The charts illustrates' (should be 'illustrate') and '15% visitors were' (should be '15% of visitors'). There are also errors with articles and prepositions, such as 'in numbers' and 'not before reconditioning nor after it'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to affect the overall clarity. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will significantly improve your score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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