Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-19

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 and charts compare the number of visitors to Ashdown Museum and their levels of satisfaction in the year before and the year after its refurbishment.

Overall, the museum experienced a significant increase in visitor numbers following the refurbishment. In addition, visitor satisfaction improved considerably, with the proportion of people who were very satisfied rising substantially, while dissatisfaction declined.

Before the refurbishment, the museum received 74,000 visitors. This figure increased markedly to 92,000 in the following year, representing a rise of approximately 24%.

The surveys also indicate a clear improvement in visitors’ opinions. Before the refurbishment, only 15% of visitors were very satisfied with their experience, while 30% were satisfied. After the work was completed, the proportion who were very satisfied more than doubled to 35%, and the percentage who were satisfied rose slightly to 40%.

By contrast, the proportion of visitors who were dissatisfied fell from 15% to 10%, while the percentage who were very dissatisfied decreased significantly, from 10% to just 5%. The proportion giving a neutral response also declined, from 40% before the refurbishment to 10% afterwards.

Overall, the figures suggest that the refurbishment was successful, as the museum attracted more visitors and achieved considerably higher levels of satisfaction.

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 charts. You provided a clear overview in the second paragraph, which effectively synthesises the trends in visitor numbers and satisfaction levels. The data is accurately selected and compared, such as noting the 24% increase in visitors and the shift in satisfaction percentages. You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt, and the information is well-supported by the provided data, making the report both comprehensive and easy to follow.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, the visitor numbers, the satisfaction survey results, and a concluding summary. You have used cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'By contrast', and 'while' effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is skilful and contributes to the overall flow of the report. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the information is presented in a very coherent manner.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You have demonstrated a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Your use of precise reporting verbs and adverbs, such as 'increased markedly', 'rose substantially', and 'declined significantly', shows a high level of control. You also used topic-specific vocabulary correctly, such as 'refurbishment', 'proportion', and 'neutral response'. The language is natural and precise, and there are no errors in word choice or collocation. The vocabulary is well-suited to an academic report and enhances the clarity and professional tone of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

Your writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy. You have used a variety of complex sentence forms, such as 'The surveys also indicate a clear improvement in visitors’ opinions' and 'By contrast, the proportion of visitors who were dissatisfied fell from 15% to 10%'. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, and the overall structure of the sentences is sophisticated and error-free.

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