Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-11-06

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The chart below shows what Anthropology graduates from one university did after finishing their undergraduate degree course. The table shows the salaries of the anthropologists in work after five years.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparison where relevant.

Student answer (Band 4.5)

The pie char demostrates the proportion of destination anthropology graduates after completing their undergraduate degree course and the table illustrates the pay of the anthropologists in field after five years.

Overall, dominant sector of graduates work full-time ,whereas the smallest sector is part-time or postgrad study student.In addition, large percent of salaries have been given to government sector which is over ,while the

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.5

You identify the main destination pattern by noting that full-time work is dominant, and you attempt to compare the employment sectors’ salaries. However, the response is incomplete and does not adequately summarise either visual: it gives no figures, omits most graduate destinations, and leaves the salary comparison unfinished (“which is over, while the”). The claim that the smallest category is “part-time or postgrad study student” is also unclear; the smallest destination is part-time work combined with postgraduate study, at 5%. The response contains 63 words, below the required 150, which contributes to the very limited coverage. To improve, provide a complete overview and select key figures from both the chart and table, making accurate comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is a basic attempt to organise the response: the opening sentence introduces the pie chart and table, followed by an overview beginning with “Overall.” This gives the reader a simple starting structure. However, the response stops mid-sentence, so there is no clear progression from overview to supporting details, and the comparison between salary groups is not completed. The linking word “whereas” signals a contrast, but the sentence is difficult to follow because the categories are expressed unclearly and punctuation is inconsistent. Develop separate, complete sentences for the overview and the main details, and use clear references such as “the 5% studying part-time” or “the highest salary band” to connect information.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The response uses some task-related vocabulary, including “proportion,” “graduates,” “full-time,” “sector,” and “salaries,” so the topic is generally recognisable. However, the range is limited, and several word choices or combinations are unnatural or unclear: “pie char,” “destination anthropology graduates,” “pay of the anthropologists in field,” and “large percent of salaries have been given to government sector.” There are also spelling errors, notably “char” and “demostrates.” Aim for accurate chart language and natural collocations, such as “the proportion of graduates,” “were employed in,” and “salary distribution.” More precise vocabulary would help you describe the categories and compare the salary bands without relying on vague phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a compound sentence with “whereas” and use a present-tense reporting structure in “The pie chart demonstrates,” showing some ability to form more than very basic statements. However, the range is narrow, and errors in sentence construction and punctuation make parts difficult to interpret. For example, “Overall, dominant sector of graduates work full-time” is missing an article, while “the smallest sector is part-time or postgrad study student” has an unclear noun structure. The final clause, “which is over, while the,” is incomplete and prevents the comparison from being understood. There are also spacing problems around commas. Practise complete sentences with accurate articles and subject–verb agreement, and check that every clause has a finished meaning.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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