Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-07-25

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 9.0)

The pie chart illustrates the destinations of Anthropology graduates from one university after completing their undergraduate degree, while the table compares the salaries earned by anthropologists working in three different sectors after five years. Overall, the majority of Anthropology graduates entered full-time employment after graduation, whereas only a small proportion combined part-time work with postgraduate study. In terms of salaries after five years, government employees and freelance consultants were more likely to earn the highest incomes than those working for private companies. More than half of the graduates (52%) secured full-time employment, making it by far the most common destination. A further 15% worked part-time, while 12% were unemployed. The proportions of graduates undertaking full-time postgraduate study and those whose destinations were not known were identical, at 8% each. By contrast, only 5% combined part-time work with postgraduate study, representing the smallest category. Regarding salaries after five years, both government employees and freelance consultants enjoyed relatively high earnings. In the government sector, 50% earned $100,000 or more, while 30% received salaries ranging from $75,000 to $99,999. Similarly, among freelance consultants, 40% fell into each of the top two salary bands, with only 5% earning below $50,000. In comparison, salaries in private companies were generally lower, as the largest proportion (35%) earned between $50,000 and $74,999, whereas only 30% reached the highest income bracket.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response is excellent and fully addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends in both the pie chart and the table. The data is accurately selected and reported, with effective comparisons made between the different sectors and salary brackets. For example, you correctly identified that government employees and freelance consultants were more likely to earn higher incomes compared to those in the private sector. The information is well-supported by the figures provided in the prompt, and the response maintains a professional, analytical tone throughout, ensuring all key features are highlighted without unnecessary detail.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized and flows smoothly from the introduction to the body paragraphs. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'whereas', 'in terms of', 'by contrast', and 'similarly', which help to guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two distinct data sets (the pie chart and the table), which enhances the clarity of the report. The progression of ideas is clear, and the relationship between the different categories is consistently maintained throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'secured full-time employment', 'undertaking full-time postgraduate study', and 'income bracket' are used accurately and naturally. The vocabulary is precise, and you avoid repetition by using varied terminology to describe the data. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey the information clearly and concisely, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

Your control of grammar is excellent. You use a wide range of complex sentence structures, such as the opening sentence which combines two distinct clauses, and the use of participial phrases like 'representing the smallest category'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the accuracy is consistent throughout the entire response, demonstrating a high level of proficiency in English grammar.

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