Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-22

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 chart depicts the destination of anthropology graduates as 52 % working full time, 15% working part time , while 5% working part time along with postgrad study. Nearly 8% are postgraduated and working full time employement. Some graduates are also unemployed to be exact 12%. About on 8% we have no data whether they are employed or unemployed, they opted for higher education or not.

The table displays the salaries of anthropolgy graduates working in different fields mainly as Freelance consultants, Governtment sector and in private companies. First we will discuss Freelance Consultants lowest percentage 5% earning lowest 25000- 49000 usd, 15% earning [redacted phone]9usd, 40% earning 75000% 99999usd while 40% are earning more than [redacted phone]usd. Secondly in Government sector 5% are earning between [redacted phone]9usd, 15% are earning [redacted phone]9usd, 30% are earning [redacted phone]9usd while 50% are earning more than [redacted phone]usd.

Lastly employes of private companies 10% are earning between [redacted phone]9usd , 35% are earning [redacted phone]9usd, 25% are earning [redacted phone]9usd, while 30% are earning more than [redacted phone]usd.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of both the chart and the table. You covered the employment status of graduates and compared salary distributions across the three sectors. However, the response lacks a clear overview or summary statement, which is essential for a Band 7 or higher. Additionally, some data points are presented as a list rather than a synthesis, and there is a minor error in the data reporting (e.g., '75000% 99999usd'). To improve, ensure you group information logically and provide a concise summary of the most significant trends at the beginning or end of your report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into three paragraphs, which is a logical approach. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'First we will discuss', 'Secondly', 'Lastly'). The flow between sentences within the paragraphs could be smoother; for instance, the transition between the chart data and the table data is abrupt. While the progression of ideas is generally clear, the lack of sophisticated linking words and the somewhat list-like structure of the second paragraph limit the coherence score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the data, such as 'destination', 'freelance consultants', and 'salary distributions'. However, there are several spelling errors ('Governtment', 'anthropolgy', 'employement', 'employes') and some awkward phrasing. The repetition of 'earning' throughout the second and third paragraphs makes the writing feel less professional. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of verbs and nouns to describe trends and avoid basic spelling mistakes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as missing articles ('in private companies'), incorrect prepositions ('About on 8%'), and subject-verb agreement issues ('Some graduates are also unemployed to be exact 12%'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around percentages and currency symbols. These errors do not impede communication, but they do prevent the response from reaching a higher band score.

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

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