Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-24
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 both charts illustrates what anthropology graduates one university did after finishing their undergraduate degree course and compare the salary of the in work after five years.
Overall, it can be clearly seen that full-time work had the highest proportion in category while, part-time work and postgrad study had accounted for least proportion. Full-time postgrad study and not known category had similar proportion.
Anthropology graduates, full-time work had the highest proportion category in 52% whereas, full-time postgrad study and not known had accounted for almost similar category. Part-time work and postgrad study had least proportion in this category in 5%. Part-time work and unemployed recorded around 15% and 12%.
About salaries, after 5 years work government sector provide the highest salaries $[redacted phone]+ in 50% in contrast, freelance counsultant and government sector provide almost similar 5% and 15% in $25000 to $49999 and $50000 to $74999. In private companies provide the highest salaries, which had 35% in $50000 to $74999 respectively.
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 and lacks precision in data reporting. For instance, the statement that 'full-time postgrad study and not known had accounted for almost similar category' is vague, and the description of the salary data is confusingly structured, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparisons. While you have identified the main trends, the lack of clear, accurate data synthesis prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure that you group data logically and use specific figures to support your observations rather than generalising.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the flow of ideas is often disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as the awkward transition 'About salaries' and the repetitive use of 'had accounted for'. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly in the second paragraph where the connection between the categories and the percentages is muddled. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would significantly enhance the logical progression of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You frequently use basic verbs like 'had' and 'provide' instead of more precise academic alternatives such as 'constituted', 'accounted for', or 'earned'. There are also issues with word choice, such as 'counsultant' (spelling error) and the awkward phrasing 'in category'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate a wider range of vocabulary related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'fluctuated', 'majority', and 'significant', while ensuring correct spelling and collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('The both charts illustrates'), missing articles ('in 52%'), and incorrect preposition usage. The sentence structures are mostly simple or contain errors when attempting complexity. For example, 'In private companies provide the highest salaries' is grammatically incorrect. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring subject-verb agreement, and using articles correctly. You should also practice combining simple sentences into more complex, error-free structures to demonstrate a wider range of grammatical control.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.