🖇Let’s take a closer look at why the sample answer above would likely receive a Band 6.5 in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 section.
Here’s a breakdown based on the four official criteria ⬇️
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1️⃣ Task Achievement – Band 6.5
✅The candidate covers all key information from the chart and provides a clear overview.
✖️However, some details are too general (e.g., “the pattern had changed” is vague), and a few specific figures could be better explained.
📌 There is a clear summary and comparisons, but more precise data description would improve the score.
2️⃣ Coherence and Cohesion – Band 7.0
✅The answer is logically organised, and ideas flow well from one paragraph to another.
✅ Linking devices such as “Overall,” “meanwhile,” “in conclusion” are used appropriately.
✖️ Some sentence structures are repetitive. Greater variety in transitions would help.
3️⃣ Lexical Resource – Band 6.5
✅ The vocabulary is generally appropriate and includes topic-related terms (“leisure activity,” “dramatically,” “stable”).
✖️ There’s limited use of more advanced or precise vocabulary. For example, “usage” is repeated instead of using synonyms like “engagement” or “participation.”
✖️ Some word choices are slightly awkward or simplistic.
4️⃣ Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Band 6.0
✅ A mix of sentence types is attempted (e.g., comparatives, time references).
✖️ There are noticeable errors in article usage, verb agreement, and plural forms.
✖️ Some structures are too simple or repeated often.
📌 More complex and accurate grammar is needed for Band 7.
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🖇 Overall Band: 6.5
💋💋💋 To reach Band 7.0+, focus on using more precise vocabulary, avoid repetition, and work on grammatical accuracy with complex structures.
🔥 Mark's IELTS 6.5 Journey: A Full Roadmap!