⚡ 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 >>
Do you want to get your essays corrected by a highly experienced IELTS teacher? Then take a look at our writing correction service.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
What Band 6 Means for Task 1 Academic
A Band 6 response in IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic demonstrates developing competence across all four assessment criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Task Achievement at Band 6
The response addresses the requirements, presents an overview (though it may be unclear), and presents key features adequately, though some may be inadequately covered.
Coherence and Cohesion at Band 6
Information is arranged coherently with clear overall progression. Cohesive devices are used effectively but may be mechanical or faulty at times.
How to Achieve Band 6
- Analyse the visual data carefully: Spend 2-3 minutes identifying the main trends, key features, and notable comparisons before writing.
- Write a clear overview: Attempt to summarise the overall trends, even if briefly.
- Select and group information: Try to organise data into coherent groups rather than listing every detail.
- 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 6
The table below summarises what IELTS examiners look for at Band 6 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 6 Descriptor Summary |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement | Addresses the task requirements though some details may be irrelevant or inaccurate; presents an overview with some key features highlighted. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression; uses cohesive devices effectively though with some inaccuracy or repetition. |
| Lexical Resource | Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task; attempts less common vocabulary with some inaccuracy; makes some errors in spelling or word formation. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences; makes some errors in grammar and punctuation which rarely reduce communication. |
How to Move Beyond Band 6
- Focus on selecting and comparing the most significant data points rather than listing every detail. Examiners reward the ability to identify what matters most.
- Expand your vocabulary for describing trends and comparisons. Replace overused words such as “increased” and “decreased” with alternatives like “surged,” “declined,” “fluctuated,” or “remained stable.”
- Aim for greater accuracy in complex sentence structures. Practise using relative clauses, participle phrases, and conditional structures without grammatical errors.
Key Takeaways
- Band 6 represents a competent performance: the task is addressed, ideas are organised, and communication is generally effective despite some errors (IELTS band descriptors, British Council, IDP, and Cambridge, 2024).
- The main barriers between Band 6 and Band 7 are precision in data selection, more sophisticated vocabulary use, and consistently accurate complex grammar.
- Regular timed practice with a variety of Task 1 question types builds the speed and flexibility needed to reach Band 7.
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.