Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-04

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 illustrates what Anthropology graduates from one university after completion of their undergraduate degree program. The table demonstrates financial packages of the anthropologists in work after half decade.

The table comprises full-time work, part-time job, part-time job and postgrad study, full-time postgrad study, unemployment, and not known in three categories which include Freelance consultants, Government sector, and Private companies.

The percentage of full-time workers stands approximately at 52%, while part-time workers made only 15% at second. However, par-time postgraduates remain with 8%, whereas full-time postgrad students are making it just 5% and unemployment is at 12%, similarly, unknown people on contribute to the figure with just 8%.

Initially, freelance consultants have fiscal gained at 5% with lowest and 40% highest with annual 40%in half decade. The trend of increase in salaries also followed by the government sector as it goes 5% at first with lowest to 30% highest, total 50% in 5 years. Consequently, same trend of financial gains is also followed by private companies with initial increase of 10% to 35% and 25% with total of 30% approximately in 5 years

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the data, but the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you successfully identify the percentages for graduate destinations, the description of the salary table is confusing and inaccurate. You mention 'fiscal gained' and 'total of 50% in 5 years,' which does not clearly reflect the salary ranges provided in the table. To reach a higher band, you must ensure that the data reported is accurate and that comparisons between categories are more explicit. The overview is missing; a summary should highlight the most significant trends, such as the fact that the majority of graduates are in full-time work and that private companies generally offer higher salary ranges.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression is hindered by awkward phrasing and a lack of effective cohesive devices. Transitions between sentences are often mechanical or missing, making the flow feel disjointed. For example, the transition 'Consequently, same trend of financial gains is also followed by private companies' is confusing because the data does not clearly support this claim. To improve, focus on using a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'in contrast,' 'furthermore,' 'subsequently') to connect ideas more fluidly and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks precision and sophistication. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'financial packages of the anthropologists in work after half decade' and 'fiscal gained.' The term 'half decade' is unnatural in this context; 'five years' is preferred. Additionally, there are some errors in collocation, such as 'unknown people on contribute to the figure.' To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'proportion,' 'fluctuated,' 'remained stable,' or 'accounted for,' and ensure that your terminology accurately reflects the information presented in the charts.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include missing articles ('at second,' 'at first'), incorrect preposition usage, and subject-verb agreement errors (e.g., 'unknown people on contribute'). Some sentences are poorly constructed, such as 'The trend of increase in salaries also followed by the government sector as it goes 5% at first with lowest to 30% highest.' To improve, focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy, particularly with articles and prepositions, and work on constructing more complex sentences that are grammatically sound.

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