Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-20

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 given pie chart illustrates the anthropology graduates did after finishing their graduation. These student's are categorised in 6 types such as full time worker, part time worker, part time worker as well as postgrad studying, full time postgrad studying, unemployed and the last which is not known

By the given graph we can tell that 52% of the graduates are doing a full time work which is more than than any other category . Later 15% of students depicts part time work. Adding on there is 5% graduates that do part time work with balancing postgrad studies. Also there are 8% students who does full time postgrad studies. Moreover the remaining part includes 12% of unemployed graduates and 8% graduates are unknown

For comparing the salaries we have a table that shows salaries of anthropology graduates after 5 years of work. Their type of employment is divided in three types i.e freelance consultants , government sector and private companies. As we see the salary range of $[redacted phone]9 contains 5% , the salary range of $50000-$74999 contains 15% ,the salary range of $[redacted phone]9 contains 40% and the salary of$[redacted phone]+ has 40%.

Also the government sector with first range of salary contains 5%, second range contains 15% , third range contains 30% and forth most range contains 50%. At the end the private companies contains 10% in first range and 35% in second range of salary, 25% in third range and 30% in the last range

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student effectively summarizes the main features of the pie chart and the table, identifying the six categories of employment that anthropology graduates pursued. They include key data such as percentages related to full-time and part-time work, linking their observations about employment to salary ranges well. However, the response lacks a more detailed comparison between the employment figures and corresponding salaries, which would strengthen the analysis further. Occasional redundancies, like stating 'with balancing postgrad studies,' dilute clarity. Overall, the task is mostly achieved but could delve deeper into comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response flows fairly well, with a logical structure that introduces the pie chart first and follows up with the salary data. However, transitions between points could be smoother; for example, the phrase "later 15% of students depicts part time work" could better integrate the ideas. The use of connectors could enhance coherence by linking sentences more fluidly. Introducing more comparative phrases would help link findings better and create a clearer picture for the reader. Overall, coherence is present but can improve with better cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but tends to be repetitive and simplistic, such as "graduates are doing" instead of exploring more dynamic verbs. Although the response communicates its message, stronger lexical choices, such as "employment options" instead of “types” or “categories,” could enhance clarity and sophistication. Specificity could also improve, as with the terms related to salary descriptions. Overall, more varied vocabulary would enrich the report and better meet higher IELTS band standards.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

Grammatical range is somewhat limited in the response, with several grammatical errors that hinder clarity, such as "these student's are categorised" (students should NOT have an apostrophe; it must be "students"). Sentences generally follow a simple structure, with occasional errors such as "does full time postgrad studies" (should be "do"). Correcting these errors and employing a wider range of complex sentences will significantly improve the score in this area. Overall, the grammatical range is functional but lacks the accuracy needed for higher bands.

Overall feedback

Overall, you provided a fair summary of the chart and table regarding anthropology graduates’ employment and salaries. Your ability to identify key statistics is commendable, yet more emphasis on comparisons and clearer transitions between ideas would greatly enhance the clarity of your writing. Pay attention to the choice of words; using more varied vocabulary will elevate your description. Additionally, ensure that grammatical accuracy is prioritized, as minor errors can distract from your overall message. Focus on developing your argument more coherently and utilizing academic language to improve your writing further.

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

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