Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The table provides information on the number of tourists at the Ashdown Museum for the years starting and ending the refurbishment. The chart compares the proportion of satisfied visitors and dissatisfied visitors. Overall, the number of tourists has decreased this year and will increase next year. A represents the smallest proportion of visitors last year and will increase next year.
The table shows that during the recent year, the number of tourists was 74000and it will increase in the next year to about 92000. In the pie chart, the percentage of very satisfied is 15%, and then it will double to 35 percent in the next year. The satisfied percentage is 30, and then it will climb to 40%. The no response is almost similar in both years. The dissatisfied percentage is 40%, and then it will decrease to 15%. The very dissatisfied is 10%, and then it will drop to 5%.
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 addresses the task by summarizing the main features of the table and charts. However, the overview is slightly inaccurate, as it incorrectly states that the number of tourists 'decreased this year' when the data shows a clear increase from 74,000 to 92,000. Additionally, the reference to 'A' in the first paragraph is unclear and lacks context. While the key features are identified, the analysis lacks depth and the comparison between the two periods could be more effectively integrated rather than simply listing figures. To improve, ensure that the overview accurately reflects the data trends and avoid vague references.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into two paragraphs, which is appropriate for a short report. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited, relying heavily on simple transitions like 'and then'. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the mention of 'A' without defining what it refers to. To reach a higher band, you should use a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'whereas') to connect sentences and ideas more fluidly, and ensure that every reference is clearly defined for the reader.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'the number of tourists' and 'the percentage of' are used repeatedly. There is little attempt to use less common vocabulary or synonyms to describe trends (e.g., 'surged', 'plummeted', 'fluctuated'). While the meaning is clear, the lack of variety in word choice limits the score. To improve, try to incorporate more precise terminology for describing data, such as 'a significant rise', 'a marginal decline', or 'the proportion of visitors'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as '74000and' (missing space), 'the satisfied percentage is 30' (missing unit), and 'the no response is almost similar' (awkward phrasing). While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to affect the overall fluency. To improve, focus on proofreading for punctuation and ensuring that all sentences have a clear subject and verb agreement. Incorporating more varied complex structures would also help demonstrate a wider grammatical range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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