Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-07-27

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 6.5)

The pie chart illustrates the different types of work that students did after completing their undergraduate studies at the same university. In addition, the table demonstrates the salaries of Anthropology graduates after five years.

Overall, it is evident that full-time work accounted for the highest percentage among Anthropology graduates, while other categories recorded lower percentages. In addition, after five year graduation, employees in the government received the highest salaries as compared to the others.

In detail, full-time work accounted for 52% among Anthropology graduates, whereas part-time work stood at 15%, indicating a clear contrast between the two jobs. The proportion of unemployed Anthropology graduates was 12% after graduation. By comparison, full-time work with postgraduate study and the ''not known'' category both stood at 8% among graduates. 5% graduates were employed in part-time work with postgraduate study.

The table shows a comparison of salaries after five years of work. In the $25,000-49,999 salary range, both freelance consultants and the government sector employees accounted for 5%, followed by

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the pie chart well, identifying the highest and lowest categories. However, the task is incomplete. The description of the table is cut off mid-sentence, meaning the data regarding salaries is not fully reported or compared. To achieve a higher band, you must ensure all parts of the prompt are addressed. While the overview is clear, the failure to finish the analysis of the table significantly impacts the score, as the comparison of salary data is a key requirement of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In addition,' 'whereas,' and 'by comparison' to link ideas effectively. However, the abrupt ending of the final paragraph disrupts the overall flow and coherence of the response. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two data sources. To improve, ensure that each paragraph is fully developed and that the conclusion or final analysis is completed to provide a sense of closure to the reader.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'accounted for,' 'proportion,' and 'indicated a clear contrast.' There is some repetition of phrases such as 'Anthropology graduates' and 'accounted for.' To reach a higher band, try to vary your vocabulary by using synonyms or different sentence structures to describe data. For example, instead of repeating 'accounted for,' you could use 'represented,' 'constituted,' or 'made up.' The vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate for the context of a data report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some minor errors, such as 'after five year graduation' (should be 'after five years of graduation') and '5% graduates' (should be '5% of graduates'). Despite these, the meaning is generally clear, and the errors do not impede communication. You have a good grasp of basic grammar, but to improve, focus on ensuring consistent use of prepositions and articles. The sentence structure is generally sound, though more variety in complex structures would enhance the quality of the writing.

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