Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-10
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The charts below show the proportions of British students at one university in England who were able to speak other languages in addition to English, in 2000 and 2010
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The chart illustrate the percentage of British students at one university in England , who could speak other languages in addition to English in 2000 to 2010.
According to the pie chart, in 2000 , the number of students who can speak only French was 15%, only German 10%, only Spanish 20%, another language were also 15%, no other language 30% that is the highest percentage and the students who can speak two other languages were 2%.
In 2010, the number of students who can speak only French were 20%, only German were 10%, only Spanish were 10%, who can speak another language were 20%, no other language were 35% and students who can speak two other languages were 15%.
Results shows that , the number of students that can only speak English language were increased by 5%, the students who can speak two other languages were also increased by 5% and the number of French speakers were increased by 5%.The number of students who can speak Spanish were decreased by 10%.
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 response covers the main features of the charts, including the percentages for both 2000 and 2010. However, the analysis is largely a list of data points rather than a synthesis of information. While you identify the highest percentage and some changes, the report lacks a clear overview or a summary of the most significant trends. For instance, you mention that Spanish decreased by 10%, but you do not highlight the overall shift in language proficiency or the most notable changes across the decade. To improve, focus on grouping data to show trends rather than listing every figure, and ensure you include a clear introductory overview.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite mechanical and repetitive. You rely heavily on 'the number of students who can speak...' to start your sentences, which makes the flow feel disjointed. There is a lack of varied linking words to connect ideas or show relationships between the two years. To improve, try using a wider range of cohesive devices such as 'in contrast,' 'meanwhile,' or 'subsequently' to link your sentences and paragraphs more naturally.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. You frequently use the same phrases, such as 'the number of students who can speak,' which limits the range of your expression. There are also some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'Results shows that,' where the subject-verb agreement is incorrect. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated,' 'remained stable,' or 'witnessed a significant rise,' rather than relying solely on 'increased' or 'decreased.'
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The chart illustrate,' 'the number of students... were increased'). These errors are noticeable throughout the text. While the meaning remains clear, the lack of control over basic grammatical rules prevents a higher score. To improve, focus on ensuring that your subjects and verbs agree, and practice using more complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice, with greater accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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