Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-01

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 pie charts illustrate the total number of visitors to Ashdown Museum and the results of surveys measuring visitors’ satisfaction levels in the year before and the year after its refurbishment.

Overall, the museum experienced a substantial increase in visitor numbers following the refurbishment, while visitor satisfaction improved markedly. In particular, the proportions of visitors who were either very satisfied or satisfied rose considerably, whereas dissatisfaction declined sharply.

Before the refurbishment, Ashdown Museum attracted 74,000 visitors. Of these, 40% were dissatisfied, making this the largest category, while a further 10% were very dissatisfied. By contrast, only 15% of visitors were very satisfied and 30% were satisfied. The remaining 5% gave no response.

Following the refurbishment, the number of visitors increased to 92,000, representing a rise of 18,000. There was also a notable improvement in satisfaction levels. The proportion of very satisfied visitors more than doubled, climbing from 15% to 35%, while the figure for those who were satisfied rose from 30% to 40%. Consequently, the combined proportion expressing satisfaction increased from 45% to 75%. Meanwhile, the percentage of dissatisfied visitors fell dramatically from 40% to 15%, and the very dissatisfied group halved from 10% to 5%. The proportion giving no response remained unchanged at 5%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have fully addressed all parts of the task by reporting on both the visitor numbers and the satisfaction survey results. You successfully identified the main features, such as the increase in total visitors and the shift in satisfaction levels, and provided clear comparisons between the two periods. The data is accurately represented, and the inclusion of specific figures (e.g., '74,000 visitors', '40% were dissatisfied') supports your summary effectively. The overview provided in the second paragraph clearly highlights the key trends, which is essential for a high band score in Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction and overview, the 'before' period, and the 'after' period with comparisons. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'By contrast', 'Following the refurbishment', and 'Consequently', to link your points smoothly. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the report. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words; the flow is natural and professional throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have demonstrated a wide and precise range of vocabulary. Your choice of words is sophisticated and appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'substantial increase', 'improved markedly', 'declined sharply', and 'notably improvement' show a high level of control. You also used precise terminology like 'proportions', 'combined proportion', and 'figure for those who were satisfied' to describe the data accurately. There are no spelling errors, and the vocabulary is used with high flexibility, allowing for a clear and concise presentation of the information.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentences, such as 'The proportion of very satisfied visitors more than doubled, climbing from 15% to 35%, while the figure for those who were satisfied rose from 30% to 40%.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is polished and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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