Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-07-27
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The take below gives information about the underground railway systems in six cities.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Underground Railway Systems
City Date opened Kilometers of route Passengers per year (in millions) London 1863 394 775 Paris 1900 199 1191 Tokyo 1927 155 1927 Washington DC 1976 126 144 Kyoto 1981 11 45 Los Angeles 2001 28 50
Student answer (Band 5.5)
Railway systems underneath the earth's soil is been shown in details in the table chart given. Even though the features in the chart will be explained it is important to note that London in 1863 had the highest kilometers of rout while Kyoto in about 120 years later recorded so low at 11. On the other hand of their passengers annually (in millions). As of 1927 Tokyo recorded quite a number of passengers which I would say was remarkable as it matched the year. Kyoto maintained same low (45) trend in the same year.
In the 20th century Paris marked the highest kilometers of rout at almost 200, while Tokyo and Washington DC followed at a lower pace with Kyoto at a dramatic low. In 1863 London surpassed other cities at 394 KM, with Los Angeles at a huge difference of about 370% lower in the 21st century.
About the percentage of millions of passengers in a single year. Tokyo and Paris was over 1000 in the 90's with Toyo taking the lead at 1927. while Kyoto seconded at 45 to Los Angeles at 50 in being the least.
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 attempts to summarize the data but fails to provide a clear, accurate overview. There are significant factual errors, such as stating Paris had the highest kilometers of route in the 20th century (London is higher) and misinterpreting the data regarding Tokyo's passenger numbers. The comparison between cities is often confusing, and the chronological references are inaccurate (e.g., mentioning the 90s, which is not in the data). While the main features are identified, the lack of precision and the inclusion of incorrect information prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure data is transcribed accurately and focus on clear, logical comparisons.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The transition between sentences is often abrupt, and the use of cohesive devices is mechanical or misused, such as 'On the other hand of their passengers annually'. Referencing is frequently unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between cities. The structure lacks a cohesive overview, and the grouping of information appears somewhat arbitrary rather than organized by logical categories (e.g., comparing oldest/newest or largest/smallest systems). Improved use of linking words and clearer paragraph focus would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is limited and sometimes inappropriate for an academic report. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'underneath the earth's soil' instead of 'underground' and 'recorded so low'. Spelling errors like 'rout' (route) and 'Toyo' (Tokyo) occur. The student relies on basic descriptors and struggles to use precise terminology to describe trends or data points. To reach a higher band, the student should focus on using more academic collocations and ensuring accurate spelling of key terms provided in the prompt.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'is been shown' (passive voice error), '120 years later recorded so low' (missing subject/verb agreement), and 'Tokyo and Paris was' (subject-verb agreement). Sentence structures are generally simple, and attempts at complex sentences are often faulty or contain punctuation errors. There is a lack of control over basic grammatical rules, which limits the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice for describing data would be beneficial.
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