Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-25
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 illustrates the percentage of anthropology graduates' involvement after course completion from one university. The table represents information about the salaries of anthropologists according to type of employment after five years work period.
Overall, full-time workers accounted for the highest proportion. Part-time and postgraduate study have the smallest contribution, while the government sector has the highest salary percentage.
The destination of full-time workers after graduation is the most dominant segment at 52%; however, part-time and postgraduate study have the lowest proportion of 5%. Whereas part-time work and unemployment stand at 15% to 12%, respectively. Furthermore, full-time postgraduate study stands at 8%.
After 5 years of work, the government sector and freelance consultants have the same share of 5% in $25,000 to 49,999 and 15% in $50,000-74,999, respectively. Followed by 30% to 40% in both sectors. While private companies made up 10% in $25,000 to 49,999 and 35% in $50,000-74,999. Ultimately, the total salaries of $100,00+ government sector stand at highest 50% whereas freelancers and private companies represented 40% to 30%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by summarizing the pie chart and the table. You have identified the main features, such as the dominance of full-time work and the salary trends in the government sector. However, the analysis of the table is somewhat confusing. For instance, stating that the government sector and freelance consultants have the 'same share' of 5% and 15% is unclear, as the data in the table shows different figures for these categories. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are mathematically accurate and clearly linked to the specific data points provided in the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices like 'however,' 'whereas,' and 'furthermore' to link ideas. However, the progression within the second body paragraph is somewhat mechanical and occasionally difficult to follow due to the way the data is presented. The referencing is sometimes ambiguous, particularly when discussing the salary brackets, which makes the flow of information feel slightly disjointed. Improving the transition between data points would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion,' 'segment,' and 'undergraduate degree.' However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'highest salary percentage' is imprecise, as the table shows salary ranges rather than percentages of salary. Additionally, phrases like 'after five years work period' are slightly unnatural. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology for data reporting and ensure that your collocations are standard for academic writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'full-time workers accounted for the highest proportion' (which is correct) contrasted with 'the total salaries of $100,00+ government sector stand at highest 50%,' which is grammatically awkward. There are also minor issues with preposition use and article placement. The sentences are generally understandable, but more attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct structure of comparative clauses would help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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