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Task 1 Band 7

Cambridge IELTS 21 Academic Writing Test 4 Task 1 Band 7 Model Answer

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The chart and table below show the results of a survey of library users at a university.

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

The bar chart illustrates the composition of library users at a university, categorised by their academic status, while the table presents satisfaction levels across five different library services.

Overall, full-time undergraduates constitute the largest group of library users, whereas academic staff represent the smallest proportion. Regarding satisfaction, library staff receive the highest approval ratings, while the availability of journals and Wi-Fi reliability attract the most dissatisfaction among users.

According to the bar chart, full-time undergraduate students account for the majority of library users, at approximately 38%. Distance learning students and part-time postgraduates each represent around 20% of users, while full-time postgraduates make up a slightly smaller proportion of about 17%. Academic staff are the least frequent users, comprising only about 5% of the total library clientele.

Turning to the table, the helpfulness of staff receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 95% of respondents indicating they are very satisfied and the remaining 5% fairly satisfied, with no negative responses recorded. Library opening hours also score highly, with 65% very satisfied and 35% fairly satisfied. However, satisfaction with other services is notably lower. The availability of books receives 50% very satisfied and 10% not satisfied, while journals perform worse, with only 45% very satisfied and 20% not satisfied. Similarly, Wi-Fi reliability shows mixed results, with 48% very satisfied but 19% dissatisfied.

In comparison, academic staff, despite being the smallest user group, appear to have the highest expectations, as they report lower satisfaction with journals and Wi-Fi compared to students.


Why this answer scores Band 7.0:

CriteriaHow the sample meets Band 7.0 requirements
Task AchievementAddresses all key features from both the chart and table. Provides accurate data and makes relevant comparisons between the services. The comparison about academic staff's higher expectations adds value.
Coherence & CohesionClear paragraph structure: introduction → overview → chart details → table details → insightful comparison. Uses effective linking words: Overall, According to, Turning to, However, Similarly, In comparison.
Lexical ResourceGood range of vocabulary: constitute, composition, proportion, clientele, overwhelmingly positive, notably lower, comprises, account for, mixed results, dissatisfaction. Avoids repetition of basic words.
Grammatical Range & AccuracyUses varied structures: relative clauses (which represent), passive voice (are recorded), complex comparisons (while, whereas), and precise data reporting (at approximately 38%). Minor errors but overall accurate.

What pushes this to Band 7.0 (compared to Band 6.5):

AspectBand 6.5Band 7.0 (this sample)
Data reportingBasic numbersMore precise (approximately 38%, slightly smaller proportion of about 17%)
Vocabularystudents, staff, good, badclientele, constitute, overwhelmingly positive, notably lower
ComparisonsSimple (X is higher than Y)More nuanced (academic staff... have the highest expectations)
GrammarSimple sentencesComplex structures with relative clauses and passive voice
OrganisationSeparate descriptionsIntegrated comparison between chart and table

Key tips for achieving Band 7.0 in tables + charts:

  1. Describe both visuals equally – Don't focus only on the chart or only on the table. Give both sufficient coverage (about 50-50).

  2. Start with a strong overview – Identify the most obvious trends from both visuals in one paragraph.

  3. Use a range of reporting verbsindicate, illustrate, show, reveal, account for, comprise, constitute, represent.

  4. Group similar data – Instead of listing every number separately, group them (e.g., "distance learning and part-time students show similar patterns").

  5. Make meaningful comparisons – Don't just state numbers; explain what they reveal (e.g., "staff are least frequent but most demanding").

  6. Avoid overcomplicating – Band 7.0 requires clarity and accuracy, not unnecessarily complex sentences.


Quick checklist for Band 7.0 Task 1:

  • Clear introduction paraphrasing the task

  • Overview paragraph highlighting 2-3 main trends

  • Logical grouping of data (not just listing)

  • Accurate data from both visuals

  • Relevant comparisons

  • Range of vocabulary (not repetitive)

  • Mix of sentence structures

  • At least 150 words (ideally 170-190)

  • No personal opinion or conclusion paragraph (overview is enough)

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Student Comments From Evaluate Writings

  • Celalettin Akyüz 1 day ago

    Band Score 6The given pie chart gives information about distrubition of the categories of library users, and table presents how the library members satisfied in terms of library opputurnity. Overall, full-time undergraduate students made up 44%, full-time postgraduate constituted 25%, part-time postgraduate accounted for 16%, distance learning represented 8%, and the percantage of academic staff was 7. When we look at the details, vast of the majority very satisfied about staff's helful behavior, and only 5% of user evaulated fairly their staff experince. On the other hand, nobody said any bad thing about library opening hours and helpfulness of staff. However, 20% of people who use this library were not satisfied availability of journals, while 19% of them do not find the reliable wi-fi. When we look at the availability of books satisfaction, we can say people seperated almost two equals portion who find satisfied and fairly satisfied because only 10% of them evaulated not satisfied this type of amenities.

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