Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-20

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 depict the numbers of visitors to ashdown museum during the year before and the year after it was refurbished and the chart illustrates the result of the survey asking visitors how satisfied they were with their visit, during same two periods.

Overall, it is clear that large number of people visit ashdown museum before and after refurbishment while most of people are more satisfied after refurbishment of museum.

To begin with, large number of people visited ashdown museum during the year before refurbishment (74000).While after refurbishment numbers of visitors to ashdown museum increased to 92000.

Probing further, visitors are less satisfied in the year before refurbishment. 15 of visitors are very satisfied in before refurbishment while 35 visitors are very satisfied after refurbishment. However, visitors not responding are same 5, whereas 30 visitors are satisfied before refurbishment while these satisfaction increased after refurbishment to 40. However, visitors those are dissatisfied before refurbishment were 40 but after refurbishment dissatisfied visitors are just 15. At the end, very dissatisfied visitors are 10 before refurbishment but after they are just 5.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of both the table and the charts. You successfully identified the increase in visitor numbers and the shift in satisfaction levels. However, the report lacks precision in data presentation. For instance, you mention '15 of visitors' and '35 visitors' without specifying that these are percentages, which is a significant omission for a data-based task. Additionally, the comparison between the two periods is somewhat mechanical. To reach a higher band, ensure you clearly label units (percentages vs. raw numbers) and group the data more logically to highlight the most significant trends rather than listing every figure sequentially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical, such as the frequent use of 'However' and 'At the end'. Some transitions feel forced, and the logical flow between sentences could be smoother. For example, the transition between the visitor numbers and the satisfaction survey is abrupt. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would significantly enhance the overall coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the range and precision required for higher bands. You rely on basic descriptors like 'large number of people' and 'more satisfied'. There are also some inaccuracies, such as 'At the end' to conclude the data description, which is not appropriate in this context. To improve, try to incorporate more precise terminology related to data analysis, such as 'a significant rise', 'a notable shift', or 'the proportion of visitors'. Avoid repeating the same phrases and focus on using more sophisticated synonyms to describe trends and changes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There are several grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('The table depict', 'visitors not responding are same'), missing articles ('in before refurbishment'), and awkward phrasing ('visitors those are dissatisfied'). While you attempt some complex structures, they are often marred by these errors. To improve, focus on basic accuracy first—specifically subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Once these are mastered, work on integrating a wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice, to describe the data more fluently.

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

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