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)
There is one pie chart and a table, the pie shows which destinations do the graduates fall in. the table represents their salaries after working for five years.
Firstly looking at the pie chart we can see that full time worker take up half of the chart, while part time worker and post grad study show the lowest number. One thing that stands out are the number of Unemployed is 12% which is close to the students doing part time work which is 15% combining both we get 27% which is significantly more then what we get by combining the number of unknown destinations and full time post graduates study.
On the other hand after 5 years of work the graduates in private companies have the higher number in the 25k to 40k range. while in the government sector about 50% are in the 100k range, meaning they hae grown quite significantly in their roles.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response provides a basic overview of the data but fails to fully address the requirements of an IELTS Academic Task 1. While you mention the pie chart and table, the analysis is superficial. You have not provided a clear overview or summary of the main trends, and the comparison between the two data sets is weak. For example, you mention specific percentages but do not synthesize the information effectively to highlight the most significant features. To improve, ensure you identify the most prominent data points and group them logically rather than just listing observations. The response lacks a clear summary statement that captures the overall trend.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into three short paragraphs, which is a start, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical (e.g., 'Firstly', 'On the other hand'). The transition between the pie chart description and the table analysis is abrupt. Furthermore, the referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the flow of information. To reach a higher band, you should use a wider range of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, central focus that connects logically to the next.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher levels. You rely on basic descriptors like 'lowest number' and 'higher number'. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'destinations do the graduates fall in' and 'full time worker take up half'. To improve, try to use more academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'segment', 'fluctuate', or 'remuneration'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help you avoid repetitive phrasing and demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For instance, 'full time worker take up' should be 'full-time workers take up', and 'the number of Unemployed is 12%' should be 'the percentage of unemployed graduates is 12%'. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and punctuation (e.g., missing capital letters at the start of sentences). To improve, focus on proofreading for basic errors and work on using a wider variety of complex sentence structures with greater 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.