Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-27
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 provides information about the number of visitors to Ashdown Museum before and after the year of refurbishment, while the charts display the survey of visitor satisfaction for the same two periods.
Overall, the figure was increased after redevelopment. The figure of satisfaction was least before the changes, which was subsequently increased after a period of time, while few people were very dissatisfied from the services.
74000 people were satisfied before the redevelopment, which was gradually increased to 92000, after modification.
Before the refurbishment, 40% of people were dissatisfied, compared to just 30% were satisfied. Only 15% of visitors were very satisfied, while the proportion for no response and very dissatisfied accounted for 5% and 10%, respectively.
The figure of satisfaction accounted for 40% after the redevelopment, while only 15% were dissatisfied. No response and very dissatisfied people each made up 5% of total response, whereas 35% of tourists were very satisfied.
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 addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features from both the table and the charts. The introduction paraphrases the prompt effectively. An overall trend is provided, noting that visitor numbers and satisfaction levels increased after the refurbishment. Key data points are accurately cited, such as the rise in total visitors from 74,000 to 92,000, and the shifts in satisfaction categories (for instance, very satisfied rising from 15% to 35%). However, some statements contain inaccuracies regarding the data; for instance, the writer claims that 74,000 people were satisfied before redevelopment, confusing total visitor numbers with satisfaction percentages. Additionally, the overview could be more comprehensive by highlighting the most significant category shifts. Despite these minor misinterpretations of the source data, the main features are adequately covered, meeting the requirements for a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, starting with an introduction, followed by an overview, and subsequent body paragraphs detailing the statistics. Cohesive devices are used to link ideas, such as 'while', 'after modification', and 'conversely' (though not used, transitional phrases like 'before' and 'after' help structure the timeline). Paragraphing is handled sufficiently, separating the overall trends from specific numerical data. However, referencing and cohesion can be somewhat mechanical or repetitive, and the logical progression occasionally falters due to abrupt transitions between sentences and paragraphs. For example, the jump from visitor numbers directly to satisfaction percentages lacks a smooth bridging sentence. Overall, the essay maintains a coherent structure, earning a solid Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common lexical items such as 'refurbishment', 'redevelopment', 'proportion', and 'respectively'. Word choice is generally appropriate, though there are noticeable inaccuracies and inappropriate collocations. For instance, stating that 'the figure was increased' or referring to 'the figure of satisfaction' is awkward, and claiming that '74000 people were satisfied' misapplies the data categories. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary does not impede communication. The use of functional vocabulary for describing charts is present, but lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands, placing this response firmly at Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing subordinate clauses introduced by 'while' and 'after'. There are examples of correct passive structures, such as 'was refurbished' and 'were dissatisfied'. However, grammatical errors and awkward phrasing occur throughout the text. For example, 'the figure was increased' incorrectly uses a passive construction for an intransitive verb, and 'dissatisfied from the services' uses the wrong preposition. Punctuation is generally acceptable, and errors rarely impede overall communication. The range of structures is somewhat limited and repetitive, with frequent minor inaccuracies preventing the score from reaching a Band 7.0. Therefore, a Band 6.0 is appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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