Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-16
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 illustrates the outcome of a survey regarding individuals coffee and tea purchase along with their drinking habits in five distinctive Australian cities.
Considering from an overall perspective, it can be apparently observed that people most likely went to cafe for tea and coffee in all cities except Adelaide citizens, whereas the individuals least preference is purchasing fresh coffee in last 4 weeks.
To begin with, more than 60% of Sydney residents likes to go cafe for tea and coffee, while 46% of the residents likes to purchase instant coffee and nearly 44% of people bought fresh coffee. In contrast, Melbourne reported for 64% who likes to visit cafe for coffee, whilst 48% like to purchase instant coffee and approximately 43% bought fresh coffee. However, among 34% of Brisbane least popular choice is buying fresh coffee, whereas around 53% bought instant coffee and more than 55% most preferable choice is cafe for coffee and tea.
Furthermore, Adelaide people choice is mostly similar for purchasing instant coffee or visiting cafe for tea and coffee , the former one is accounted for 50% and latter one for 49%. However, the difference can observe for Hobart residents as approximately 64% of citizens went to a cafe for coffee and tea, whereas around 54% bought instant coffee and nearer 38% like to purchase fresh coffee.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of coffee and tea habits across the five Australian cities. An overview is attempted in the second paragraph, noting that café visits were generally the most popular activity and fresh coffee the least popular overall. Key data points are cited accurately, such as Sydney at around 61% for café visits, Melbourne at 64%, and Brisbane's instant coffee figures at approximately 53%. While some figures contain minor rounding generalisations (e.g., stating '46%' instead of 45.5%), the selection and reporting of comparisons are relevant and well-grounded in the visual data. The response meets the requirements for a Band 6.5 to 7.0, showing a clear overview and accurate main trends, though some of the comparative details could be more tightly synthesized.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response has a clear overall arrangement with a traditional four-paragraph structure comprising an introduction, overview, and two body paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the data, such as 'To begin with', 'In contrast', 'However', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is logical, grouping Sydney and Melbourne together, followed by Brisbane, Adelaide, and Hobart. However, referencing and transitions are at times slightly mechanical or repetitive in structure (e.g., starting multiple sentences with percentages directly followed by verbs). Additionally, minor cohesion lapses occur in sentences like 'except Adelaide citizens, whereas the individuals least preference is...', where clause integration is awkward. Progression is generally clear throughout, aligning well with a Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'illustrates', 'individuals', 'purchase', 'residents', and 'proportion' equivalents. However, there are notable word-choice and collocation errors throughout the text, such as 'individuals coffee and tea purchase' (instead of purchases), 'the individuals least preference is' (instead of least preferred choice), and 'Adelaide people choice' (instead of residents' choice). Less common lexical items are attempted but occasionally mishandled grammatically. Spelling is generally accurate, but vocabulary limitations and awkward phrasings restrict the score to a Band 5.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing subordinate clauses and comparative structures. However, grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. There are frequent errors in verb forms, subject-verb agreement, and prepositions, such as 'people most likely went to cafe' (missing article), 'Sydney residents likes to go cafe' (singular verb for plural subject, missing preposition), and 'the difference can observe for Hobart residents' (passive voice error). Complex sentences are frequently marred by structural awkwardness, as seen in 'whereas around 54% bought instant coffee and nearer 38% like to purchase fresh coffee'. These errors occasionally cause slight strain for the reader, positioning the grammar firmly at a Band 5.5.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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