Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-15
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 5.5)
The pie chart depicts, which work sector anthropology graduates undertake after finishing their degree. Besides this, the table depicts, anthropologists salary salaries in work after five years.
Looking from an overall perspective, most graduates choose full-time work after their graduation. Whereas, least of them chose part time work + postgrad study.
To begin with, after graduation 52% individuals take full time work, In addition 8% of them are unknown. Furthermore, 12% graduates are unemployed. Moreover, 8% individuals choose full-time postgrad study. About 5% of them are part-time worker or postgrad student / and remaining 15% are part time worker.
Moving towards, After 5years freelance consultants employes about 5% of them have income of $25,000 - 49,999. 15% of them have income of $50,000 - 74,999 and 40% have income of around $75,000 - 99,999. moreover the other remaining 40% have $ [redacted phone]+ income. In Government sectors and private sectors they have relevent percentage of income with minor changes.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of both the chart and the table. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you identified the highest percentage for full-time work, the comparison of the salary data is confusing. Specifically, the description of the salary table is inaccurate; you mention 'freelance consultants' as the primary category, but the table refers to all anthropologists in work. Furthermore, the final sentence about government and private sectors is vague and lacks supporting data from the provided table. To improve, ensure you accurately interpret the labels and provide clear, comparative data points rather than general statements.
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 often mechanical or misused. For example, 'Moving towards' is not an appropriate transition for starting a new paragraph. Additionally, the punctuation is inconsistent, with several run-on sentences and comma splices, such as 'In addition 8% of them are unknown. Furthermore, 12% graduates are unemployed.' The logical progression between ideas is sometimes hindered by these structural issues. Using a wider variety of linking words and improving sentence boundaries would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'anthropologists salary salaries' and 'relevent percentage'. You rely on basic descriptors like 'most' and 'least' rather than more sophisticated academic vocabulary. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of variety and the presence of errors in word formation (e.g., 'employes' instead of 'employ') limit the score. Focusing on more precise terminology for data reporting, such as 'proportion', 'account for', or 'fluctuate', would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but accuracy is inconsistent. There are frequent errors in basic grammar, including missing articles ('in Government sectors'), incorrect verb forms ('employes'), and punctuation errors (e.g., 'part-time worker / and remaining'). The sentence structure is often repetitive, and the lack of control over complex sentences means that errors are noticeable throughout the text. To reach a higher band, you should focus on mastering subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring that your punctuation supports the clarity of your sentences rather than obscuring it.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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