⚡ TL;DR
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published October 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will be able to view an essay example from a past student, with the corrections and feedback highlighted in red.
Most of the students studying for the IELTS Test have said they find the IELTS Writing Tasks difficult. I have corrected hundreds of task 1 and 2 essays on various topics, giving estimated band scores and detailed feedback. There are also suggestions on how to improve for a higher band score. Take a look at this student essay example and see how it compares to your own writing.
Writing Task 1 Question
Here is the task 1 essay with corrections, suggestions, feedback and an estimated band score >>
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What Band 7 Means for Task 1 Academic
A Band 7 response in IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic demonstrates a high level of competence across all four assessment criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Task Achievement at Band 7
The response covers all requirements, presents a clear overview, and highlights key features appropriately, though some detail may be missing or over-extended.
Coherence and Cohesion at Band 7
Information is logically organised with clear progression. A range of cohesive devices is used flexibly, though there may be occasional over- or under-use.
How to Achieve Band 7
- Analyse the visual data carefully: Spend 2-3 minutes identifying the main trends, key features, and notable comparisons before writing.
- Write a clear overview: Summarise the most significant patterns in 2-3 sentences without including specific data.
- Select and group information: Present data in logical paragraphs organised by trend, category, or time period.
- Use accurate data: Reference specific numbers, percentages, and dates from the visual to support your descriptions.
- Vary your language: Use a range of vocabulary for describing trends (increased, rose sharply, remained stable, declined gradually).
Official Band Descriptor Criteria at Band 7
The table below summarises what IELTS examiners look for at Band 7 across all four marking criteria for Writing Task 1 Academic, according to the band descriptors published jointly by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English (2024).
| Criterion | Band 7 Descriptor Summary |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement | Covers the requirements of the task clearly; presents a clear overview of main trends, differences, or stages; clearly presents and highlights key features but could be more fully extended. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Logically organises information with clear progression throughout; uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately though with some under- or over-use. |
| Lexical Resource | Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision; uses less common vocabulary with some awareness of style and collocation; may produce occasional errors. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Uses a variety of complex structures; produces frequent error-free sentences; has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors. |
How to Move Beyond Band 7
- Ensure every key feature is fully extended with precise data. Where you mention a trend, support it with specific figures from the chart or table.
- Reduce any remaining cohesive device overuse. At Band 8, cohesion should feel seamless rather than signposted with phrases like “Furthermore” or “In addition” in every sentence.
- Develop your ability to paraphrase the question prompt effectively. Vary your language from the very first sentence to demonstrate lexical range.
Key Takeaways
- At Band 7, the response clearly covers the task, presents an effective overview, and uses a range of vocabulary and grammar with good control (IELTS band descriptors, British Council, IDP, and Cambridge, 2024).
- To reach Band 8, focus on eliminating minor cohesion issues and ensuring that every key feature is fully supported with precise figures.
- Consistent timed practice under exam conditions is the most effective way to maintain Band 7 performance and push toward Band 8.
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.