Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-12
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 5.0)
The pie charts illustrate the percentage of British students who were able to speak languages other than English from 2000 to 2010. Overall, it is noticeable that no other languages recorded the highest proportion, while German showed the least share throughout the period. On the contrary, Spanish speakers were declined in 2010 compared to early years.
Turning to the details, in 2000, 20% of British students were able to speak Spanish, whereas French and other languages contributed 15% each speakers. Similarly, German and two other languages had 10% each speak in university. Moreover, no other languages recorded the highest proportion around 30% students who speak in university.
On the other hand, in 2010, no other language speakers rose from 30% to 35% in England. Furthermore, Spanish was also included French speakers and French were excluded in these years. In addition, other languages showed 15% speakers. Lastly, other languages remained relatively the same throughout the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The student attempts to address the prompt by summarising the data from the two pie charts showing the proportions of British students speaking other languages in 2000 and 2010. Key features and comparisons are partially identified, such as the mention of Spanish speakers declining and the highest category ('no other languages') shifting. However, the response suffers from significant confusion regarding the data categories, particularly with the phrase 'no other languages recorded the highest proportion', which misinterprets the chart legend (which likely refers to students speaking no other languages besides English). Furthermore, descriptions of specific percentages and categories are frequently muddled, such as 'Spanish was also included French speakers and French were excluded in these years.' Consequently, the task is only partially addressed, earning a Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The text is organized into paragraphs with some overall structure, utilizing basic introductory and transitional markers such as 'Overall,' 'Turning to the details,' and 'On the other hand.' However, the logical progression is frequently disrupted by unclear referencing and confusing grouping of information. The use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, as seen in repetitive phrasing like 'other languages showed 15% speakers' and 'other languages remained relatively the same.' Paragraphing is attempted, but internal cohesion within the body paragraphs is strained due to contradictory and confusing statements about the data categories. These cohesion and referencing issues place the response firmly at Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is basic, repetitive, and often imprecise. The student relies heavily on simple terms like 'percentage', 'proportion', 'share', and 'speakers', alongside repetitive phrases such as 'other languages'. There are noticeable lexical inadequacies and awkward collocations that cause confusion for the reader, for instance, 'German and two other languages had 10% each speak in university' and 'Spanish speakers were declined'. Attempts to use less common vocabulary are unsuccessful due to inappropriate word choices. Because the lexical range is limited and contains frequent inaccuracies that impede clear communication, a Band 5.0 is appropriate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5
The response exhibits a very limited range of sentence structures, relying mostly on simple constructions alongside flawed attempts at complex ones. Grammatical errors are frequent throughout the text, including passive voice misuse ('Spanish speakers were declined'), subject-verb agreement issues, and missing or incorrect prepositions ('15% each speakers', '10% each speak in university'). Clauses are frequently strung together awkwardly, leading to sentences that lack grammatical coherence and distort meaning, such as 'Furthermore, Spanish was also included French speakers and French were excluded in these years.' Due to the high frequency of basic and complex grammatical errors causing difficulty for the reader, the grammar score is Band 4.5.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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