Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-02
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 learners capable of speaking languages, which was other than English in 2000 and 2010.
Overall, no other language had a higher figure in both years. In 2000, who students able to speak German and two other languages were relatively the same. However, in 2010, Spanish, French and German languages were the same percentage.
In 2000, no other language stood at 30%, which was the highest figure. This figure accounted for 35% in 2010. In addition, French only and German only constituted for 15% and 10% respectively in 2000. At 20%, Spanish was noted. Another language and two other languages stood at 25% collectively in 2000.
In 2010, at 10% French only had the lowest figure. Moreover, German and Spanish only stood at 20% collectively. Two other languages were observed at one quarter. Another language accounted for one fifth, which almost double compared to French.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5
The response addresses the task only partially. While you attempted to report some data from the charts, the selection of information is incomplete and contains several inaccuracies when compared to the visual data. For instance, your claim that German and Spanish only stood at 20% collectively in 2010 is inaccurate based on the source charts. Furthermore, describing 'Two other languages' as 'one quarter' (25%) in 2010 is incorrect, as the chart shows this category at 15%. The overview mentions that 'no other language had a higher figure in both years', which is a relevant main feature, but overall the information lacks precision and presents confusion between percentages and fractions. To achieve a higher band, you need to carefully verify data figures directly from the visual prompt and select accurate key comparisons without misrepresenting the values.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
There is some organisation in your response, with the information divided into separate paragraphs for the introduction, overview, and body details, but there is no clear overall progression. Some cohesive devices are used, such as 'In 2000', 'In addition', and 'In 2010', which help guide the reader through the timeline. However, referencing and transitions are sometimes mechanical or confusing, such as grouping unrelated data together awkwardly ('Another language and two other languages stood at 25% collectively'). Paragraphing is present, but logical sequencing within the paragraphs needs tightening. To improve Coherence and Cohesion, ensure that each sentence logically follows the previous one and that data groupings make mathematical and comparative sense.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is limited but minimally adequate to convey basic ideas about the charts. You make noticeable errors in word choice and phrasing, such as 'which was other than English' instead of 'other than English', and 'constituted for' (a mix-up between 'constituted' and 'accounted for'). Expressions like 'almost double compared to French' also show awkward phrasing. While you attempt some less common terms like 'collectively', inaccurate word choice and imprecise reporting of data cause some difficulty for the reader. To move to a higher band, you should expand your range of vocabulary for describing statistical data and practice correct collocations and verb structures associated with percentages.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
Your writing shows a limited range of grammatical structures, relying mostly on simple sentences with frequent attempts at complex forms that are often faulty. There are noticeable errors in grammar, such as 'In 2000, who students able to speak German...', which is a fragmented and grammatically incorrect clause. You also have issues with prepositions and article use. These frequent errors can cause difficulty for the reader in understanding your intended meaning. To improve your grammatical range and accuracy, focus on constructing error-free simple and complex sentences, paying close attention to subject-verb agreement, clause structure, and correct prepositional usage when describing statistics.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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