Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-01
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 give information about, what anthropology graduates do after finishing their undergraduate degree course. The data is in the term of percentage.
By having a view of the pie chart, Firstly, we can see that 52% students do full time job after their undergraduate degree. Which is the largest part of the pie chart. Secondly, 15% students choose part time work. after their course. Moreover, the number of students, who do part time work with postgrad study, full time postgrad study, remain unemployed and not known are between 5% to 12%.
Moving on the table, the table provide information about the salaries of anthropology graduates. After five year of work.
5% graduates in freelance sector and same in government sector but 10 % are in private sector, these was the data of graduates who earn $25000 to $49000. furthermore, in $50000 to $74999, 15% graduates work in freelance sector and government sector and 35% in private companies. in 75000 to $99999 the data is 40%, 30%, 25%. in the end, $[redacted phone]+ the data is 40%, 50%, 30%
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of both the pie chart and the table. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you identified the largest groups, you failed to provide a clear overview or summary of the trends. The description of the table is essentially a list of figures rather than a comparative analysis. To improve, you should group data points more effectively and highlight significant differences or patterns, such as the correlation between sector and salary levels, rather than simply listing percentages for each category. The response lacks a concluding summary or a clear synthesis of the data provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Moreover', 'Moving on'). Some transitions are awkward, such as 'By having a view of the pie chart', which is not standard academic phrasing. The progression of ideas within the second paragraph is disjointed, as the data for the table is presented as a series of disconnected sentences rather than a cohesive narrative. Improving the flow between sentences would significantly enhance the readability of your report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for higher bands. You rely on basic phrasing such as 'give information about' and 'the data is'. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'in the term of percentage' (should be 'in terms of percentages') and 'these was the data' (should be 'this was the data'). To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more varied reporting verbs and nouns related to data analysis, such as 'illustrates', 'depicts', 'proportion', and 'distribution'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'The pie chart give information' (subject-verb agreement error), 'After five year of work' (pluralization error), and '5% graduates in freelance sector' (missing articles). Additionally, many sentences are fragmented or lack proper punctuation, such as 'Which is the largest part of the pie chart' starting as a separate sentence. You need to focus on subject-verb agreement, article usage, and sentence construction to improve your accuracy.
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.