Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-24
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 following table compares the number of visitors to Ashdown Museum during the year before and the year after it was refurbished. While the pie charts illustrate the outcomes of surveys asking visitors how satisfied they were with their visit, during the same two periods.
Overall, it is crystal clear that the museum attracts more visitors after the refurbishment, and the proportion of satisfied visitors increased dramatically, while dissatisfaction fell sharply.
In terms of visitor's number, 74000 people visited the museum before it was refurbished. Following the refurbishment this figure rose to 92000 represented an increase of 18000 which is approximately makes 24%.
Regarding visitors' satisfaction the change is more apparent. Before refurbishment only 15% are satisfied and 30% very satisfied and it makes about 45% positive feedback. In contrast the 40% were dissatisfied and 10% were very dissatisfied.
After refurbishment the proportion of very satisfied increases more than a double and makes 35 % and satisfied rose to 40% and it makes about three quarters of positive response. While by comparing the proportion of dissatisfied fell sharply to 15% and very dissatisfied to only 5%.And the proportion of no response remain the same in both years.
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 student successfully reports the main features of both the table and the charts, providing an overview and making relevant comparisons. Visitor numbers are accurately stated (74,000 to 92,000) along with the calculated increase. Survey data is also appropriately summarized, noting the significant shift toward positive satisfaction ratings after the refurbishment. However, there are minor misreadings of the initial satisfaction data in the body paragraph where the percentages for very satisfied (15%) and satisfied (30%) are slightly confused or inverted during description. Despite this, all parts of the task are adequately addressed, meeting the requirements for a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response has a clear overall progression, starting with an introductory paraphrase, followed by an overview paragraph, and then breaking down the details into separate body paragraphs regarding visitor numbers and satisfaction levels. Cohesive devices are used adequately, such as 'Overall', 'In terms of', and 'Regarding visitors' satisfaction'. However, some sentences are linked mechanically, and there is a fragment error in the introduction ('While the pie charts illustrate...'), which slightly disrupts the flow. Paragraphing is logical and helps structure the response effectively, placing this criterion solidly in the Band 6.0 range.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms like 'refurbishment', 'proportion', 'satisfaction', and 'dissatisfaction'. There are some awkward phrasings and word choices, such as 'visitor's number' instead of 'number of visitors' and 'approximately makes 24%', as well as minor grammatical word-form slips ('Before refurbishment only 15% are satisfied'). However, less common items are attempted with reasonable success, and meaning is rarely obscured. Spelling is generally accurate throughout the text, corresponding to a Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including relative clauses and comparative structures (e.g., 'While by comparing the proportion of dissatisfied fell sharply...'). There are several noticeable grammatical errors and awkward structures, such as 'represented an increase of 18000 which is approximately makes 24%' and tense inconsistencies ('Before refurbishment only 15% are satisfied...'). Punctuation also needs attention, with a missing comma after introductory phrases. Nevertheless, the meaning remains comprehensible, supporting a Band 6.0 score.
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