Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-28
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 below illustrates the numbers of visitors visited to Ashdown Museum during the year before and year after its refurbishment. Also, the below chart demonstrates how satisfied the visitors were during their visit in same two periods as result of a survey.
The change in the total numbers of visitors were observed after the refurbishment of the Museum. The numbers spiked from 74,000 during the year before refurbishment to 92,000 after the refurbishment.
Results of the surveys taken for visitor satisfaction portrayed the difference in the amount of satisfaction amongst them. The sudden increase of people being very satisfied was observed, ranging from 15% to 35%. Whereas, 40% of people who were dissatisfied before refurbishment were now down to 15% after the changes. The difference of the satisfaction level before and after was nearly the same with a slight 10% increase. The percentage of individuals who were very dissatisfied fell by 5% after the refurbishment. There were 5% of people who still had no opinion or response to the changes that were made.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the data, including the increase in visitor numbers and the shifts in satisfaction levels. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For instance, the statement 'The difference of the satisfaction level before and after was nearly the same with a slight 10% increase' is unclear and mathematically confusing given the provided data. While the key trends are identified, the report lacks a more analytical approach to comparing the two periods, and some data points are described in a way that does not fully clarify the relationship between the categories. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise and logically explained.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction followed by body paragraphs focusing on visitor numbers and satisfaction respectively. There is a clear progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive. For example, the transition 'Whereas, 40% of people...' is used to start a sentence, which is slightly awkward. Referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the data points more fluidly rather than listing them sequentially.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to convey the main points clearly. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, such as 'refurbishment' and 'portrayed', which are used correctly. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'numbers of visitors visited to' (should be 'number of visitors to') and 'amount of satisfaction' (satisfaction is usually measured in 'levels' or 'degrees'). The range is sufficient to communicate the information, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. Examples include 'The change in the total numbers of visitors were observed' (subject-verb agreement error: 'was observed') and 'numbers of visitors visited to' (incorrect verb form). Additionally, there are minor punctuation and phrasing issues, such as the awkward phrasing in the opening sentence. These errors do not impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent the response from reaching the 7.0 band level.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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