Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-22
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 bar chart gives information about the result of survey about individuals buy coffee and tea and drinking habits in 5 Australian towns . The data is calculated in percentage .
Overall, it is crystal clear that the highest percentage of buying coffee and tea were in Melbourne as compared to other cities.
Having a quick glance , it is vivid that the maximum percentage of buy coffee and tea were in Melbourne with less then 65 percent which was followed by Sydney with above sixty percent . Interestingly , Brisbane and Adelaide both were almost similar . 45 percent individuals buy instant coffee in last four weeks in Melbourne .
Moving towards the rest of the information, less then 45 percent people buy fresh coffee in last four weeks in Sydney . Brisbane and Adelaide individuals buy less fresh coffee as compared to other cities. In Hobart above 60 percent individuals buy coffee and tea.
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 chart, such as the general trends in Melbourne and Sydney. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and lacks a clear, systematic comparison between the five cities. While you identified that Melbourne had the highest percentages, the description of the other cities is fragmented. To improve, ensure you group data logically—for example, by comparing the three categories (fresh coffee, instant coffee, and cafe visits) across the cities rather than listing them city by city. Some data points are mentioned without sufficient context, making it difficult for the reader to fully grasp the comparative differences between the locations.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive, such as the repeated use of 'individuals buy'. The transition between sentences could be smoother; for instance, the jump from the overall trend to specific data points feels abrupt. While there is a logical progression, the lack of varied linking words (e.g., 'in contrast', 'conversely', 'furthermore') limits the flow. Improving the variety of transition signals will help connect your ideas more effectively and improve the overall coherence of your report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it is quite repetitive. Phrases like 'individuals buy' and 'percentage of' are used frequently, which limits the sophistication of your writing. There are also some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'vivid' to describe the data, which is not the most appropriate term in this context. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise reporting verbs and nouns, such as 'proportion', 'figure', 'witnessed', or 'accounted for'. Expanding your range of synonyms will make your writing more engaging and professional.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
There are several grammatical errors throughout the text, particularly regarding subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the highest percentage... were' should be 'was') and preposition usage. You also have issues with word order and article usage, such as 'buy coffee' instead of 'buying coffee' or 'the purchase of coffee'. While you attempt some complex structures, they are often marred by these errors. Focusing on basic accuracy—specifically ensuring that your subjects and verbs agree and that your sentence structure is grammatically sound—will significantly improve your score. Proofreading for these common slips is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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