Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-20
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The chart below shows the results of a survey about people’s coffee and tea buying and drinking habits in five Australian cities.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The chart illustrates the results of a survey about citizen's coffee and tea buying and drinking habits in five Australian cities.
Overall, it is clear that exception Adelaide, visiting cafe for coffee or tea was a popular activity among the cities. Melbourne had the highest percentage of visitors at cafe for coffee or tea, closely followed by Hobart. Sydney also had a relatively high proportion. While Brisbane and Adelaide were less visitors among the five cities.
Looking first at, when it came to buying instant coffee, Hobart had the highest percentage approximately 55%, this was followed by Brisbane (around 53%). Sydney and Melbourne had the similar figures between 45% and 48%. In the Adelaide buying instant coffee was most popular choice among the Sydney and Melbourne.
According to buying fresh coffee Sydney had the largest proportion (nearly 43%). This was followed by Melbourne had the (nearly 42%). Whereas, Hobart had the (nearly 38%) purchasing. While, Brisbane and Adelaide had the similar percentage of city residents (around 34%).
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 all three categories (cafe visits, instant coffee, and fresh coffee) and identifies key trends. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For instance, the statement 'Adelaide buying instant coffee was most popular choice among the Sydney and Melbourne' is confusing and inaccurate based on the data provided. Additionally, the comparison of cities is sometimes repetitive. To reach a higher band, you should focus on grouping data more logically and ensuring that comparisons are precise rather than just listing figures. The overview is present but could be more clearly integrated to highlight the most significant differences between the cities.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'Looking first at, when it came to' are clunky and unnatural. There are also issues with referencing; for example, 'This was followed by Melbourne had the (nearly 42%)' is grammatically disjointed, making the flow of information awkward. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence flows logically into the next would significantly improve the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'less visitors among the five cities' (should be 'fewer visitors') and 'had the similar figures'. The repetition of 'had the' and 'percentage' indicates a limited range of expression. To improve, try to use a wider variety of verbs and nouns to describe data, such as 'accounted for', 'represented', or 'a significant proportion'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'exception Adelaide' (should be 'with the exception of Adelaide'), 'Melbourne had the highest percentage of visitors at cafe' (should be 'at cafes'), and 'In the Adelaide buying instant coffee was most popular'. These errors in articles, prepositions, and sentence construction are noticeable. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these slips prevents the writing from reaching a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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