Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-02

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 6.0)

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

Overall, the refurbishment led to an increase in both visitor numbers and their satisfaction. While most expressed satisfaction in both years, there was a noticeable decline in their dissatisfaction after the refurbishment.

Regarding visitor numbers, 74,000 people visited the museum in the year before refurbishment. After it, the numbers increased to 92,000 showing a rise of 18,000 visitors.

In terms of satisfaction, 45% of the visitors were satisfied or very satisfied before refurbishment. Although after it, it rose to 50%, due to an increase in satisfied visitors to 35%.

Dissatisfaction fell from 50% to 45% after refurbishment. This was mainly because very dissatisfied visitors stayed at 40%. The no response rate remained at 5%.

In conclusion, the refurbishment successfully increased visitor numbers and overall satisfaction, with a noteable decrease in very dissatisfied visitors.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the data, including the increase in visitor numbers and the shift in satisfaction levels. You provided clear comparisons between the two periods. However, the analysis of the satisfaction data is slightly inaccurate; for instance, you state that dissatisfaction fell from 50% to 45%, but the data shows it fell from 40% to 15% (very dissatisfied) and 15% to 10% (dissatisfied). Misinterpreting the data points prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure you carefully cross-reference the labels in the pie charts with the corresponding percentages before drafting your summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. You use cohesive devices such as 'Regarding,' 'In terms of,' and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the visitor numbers from the satisfaction survey results. The flow of ideas is generally smooth, though the transition between the two satisfaction categories could be more refined to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Overall, the structure is effective and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'refurbishment,' 'noticeable decline,' and 'satisfaction levels' correctly. There is an attempt to use varied language to describe trends. However, there is a spelling error ('noteable' should be 'notable') and some phrasing is slightly repetitive. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to data reporting, such as 'a significant surge' or 'a marginal decrease,' rather than relying on basic verbs like 'increased' or 'fell' repeatedly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'While most expressed satisfaction in both years, there was a noticeable decline...' and 'Although after it, it rose to 50%...'. While the meaning is clear, there are some minor grammatical issues, such as the awkward phrasing 'Although after it, it rose to 50%,' which lacks a clear subject. Punctuation is generally accurate, and your errors do not impede communication. To improve, focus on ensuring that subordinate clauses are fully developed and that pronouns clearly refer back to their intended subjects.

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

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