Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-30

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The charts below show the changes in ownership of electrical appliances and amount of time spent doing housework in households in one country between 1920 and 2019.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Percentage of households with electrical appliances (1920-2019)

Student answer (Band 7.5)

The charts illustrate the changes in the proportion of households owning three electrical appliances and the average number of hours spent on housework per week in a country between 1920 and 2019.

Overall, ownership of all three appliances increased considerably throughout the period. Refrigerators and vacuum cleaners became almost universal by the end of the timeframe, whereas washing machines experienced more moderate growth. At the same time, the number of hours devoted to housework declined substantially.

In 1920, around 40% of households had a washing machine, compared with 30% for vacuum cleaners, while almost no homes owned a refrigerator. By 1940, the figures for washing machines and refrigerators had risen to approximately 60% and 55% respectively, and half of households possessed a vacuum cleaner. Refrigerator ownership then increased rapidly, reaching 90% in 1960 before achieving full penetration in 1980, a level which remained unchanged thereafter.

Vacuum cleaners followed a similar upward trend, climbing steadily from 30% in 1920 to 70% in 1960 and 90% in 1980. By 2000, all households owned a vacuum cleaner, and this figure stayed constant in 2019. In contrast, the percentage of homes with a washing machine rose more gradually, increasing from 40% to 70% overall, despite a slight dip from 70% in 1960 to 65% in 1980.

Regarding housework, households spent about 50 hours per week on domestic tasks in 1920. This figure fell steadily to 35 hours in 1940 and 20 hours in 1960. It then declined further to around 15 hours in both 1980 and 2000, before reaching just 10 hours per week in 2019.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear overview and effectively reporting the main features of both charts. Key data points, such as the initial and final ownership percentages and the steady decline in housework hours, are accurately cited and compared. For instance, the student correctly contrasts the near-universal adoption of refrigerators and vacuum cleaners by 2019 with the more moderate growth of washing machines. The selection of data is highly relevant, and all comparisons are grounded accurately in the provided visual data. The progression of ideas is logical, and the response fulfills all requirements of Academic Task 1 exceptionally well, earning a Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Cohesion and logical progression are managed expertly throughout the response. The information is logically sequenced, moving seamlessly from an introductory overview to detailed body paragraphs analysing appliance ownership and housework hours separately. Paragraphing is used appropriately and effectively, with each paragraph having a distinct thematic focus. Cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'at the same time', 'in contrast', and 'regarding housework' are used flexibly and naturally without being mechanical or repetitive. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, ensuring the reader follows the comparisons effortlessly. This represents a strong Band 8 performance in Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic report. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully and naturally, such as 'universal', 'moderate growth', 'full penetration', and 'declined substantially'. Word choices and phrasing are precise, as seen in expressions like 'experienced more moderate growth' and 'achieving full penetration'. There are virtually no lexical errors, and spelling and word formation are immaculate. This level of lexical control and flexibility fully satisfies the criteria for Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few complex constructions—such as participial phrases ('climbing steadily from 30% in 1920 to 70% in 1960') and subordinate clauses—are handled with excellent control. Punctuation is accurate, and subject-verb agreement is maintained throughout. Minor slips are entirely absent, and the grammar facilitates completely smooth reading. This performance easily justifies a Band 8.0 for Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

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