Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-12

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 total number of visitors to Ashdown Museum in the year preceding and following its refurbishment, while the pie charts illustrate the results of visitor satisfaction surveys conducted over the same periods.

Overall, the refurbishment had a markedly positive impact on the museum. Visitor numbers increased substantially, and satisfaction levels improved dramatically, whereas the proportions of dissatisfied and very dissatisfied visitors declined considerably

The museum attracted 74,000 visitors in the year before the refurbishment. This figure rose by 18,000 to 92,000 in the following year, representing an increase of approximately 24%.

Regarding visitor satisfaction, only 15% of respondents reported being very satisfied before the renovation, while 30% stated that they were satisfied. By contrast, 40% were dissatisfied, making it the largest category, and a further 10% were very dissatisfied. The remaining 5% did not provide a response

Following the refurbishment, the pattern changed significantly. The proportion of very satisfied visitors more than doubled to 35%, while the percentage who were satisfied climbed to 40%, together accounting for three-quarters of all respondents. In contrast, the share of dissatisfied visitors fell sharply from 40% to 15%, and the figure for the very dissatisfied category halved to 5%. The percentage of those giving no response remained unchanged at 5%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified and reported the main features of both the table and the pie charts. The overview clearly highlights the positive impact of the refurbishment on both visitor numbers and satisfaction levels. You have made effective comparisons between the two periods, such as noting that the proportion of very satisfied visitors 'more than doubled' and that the dissatisfied category 'fell sharply'. All data points are accurately represented, and the response fully addresses all parts of the prompt without any omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overall summary, the visitor numbers, and the satisfaction survey results. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'By contrast', 'Following the refurbishment', and 'In contrast', which help the reader follow the comparison smoothly. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'markedly positive impact', 'representing an increase', and 'accounting for three-quarters of all respondents' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is precise and fits the academic context of the task perfectly. There are no errors in word choice or collocation, and the language flows naturally throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy. You have used complex sentences effectively, such as 'Regarding visitor satisfaction, only 15% of respondents reported being very satisfied before the renovation, while 30% stated that they were satisfied.' Punctuation is accurate, and there are no grammatical errors. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the entire piece.

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