Academic Writing

TASK 1

Band

6+
Greg Archer
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© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022

Version 1

First published 2022

Acknowledgements
The authors and publishers acknowledge the following sources of copyright
material and are grateful for the permissions granted. While every effort has
been made, it has not always been possible to identify the sources of all the
material used, or to trace all copyright holders. If any omissions are brought to
our notice, we will be happy to include the appropriate acknowledgements on
reprinting and in the next update to the digital edition, as applicable.

Text
Band Descriptors sourced from IELTS.org. British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and
Cambridge English Language Assessment. Reproduced with permission.

Typesetting
Typeset by Blooberry Design Limited.

Editorial Services
Alyson Maskell and Matthew Duffy
 Contents

Introduction 3

Task Achievement 6

Coherence and Cohesion 14

Lexical Resource 18

Grammatical Range and accuracy 24

Answer Key 30

weloveielts.org

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 2

 Introduction
Which IELTS test should I take?
If your aim is to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking
professional registration, you should book an Academic IELTS test.

If you intend to migrate to an English-speaking country, you should book a General

Training IELTS test. If you want to study or train below degree level, you will probably need
to take the General Training IELTS test, but you should check with the institution first.

What is the Writing test format?

Both the Academic and the General Training Writing tests consist of two tasks. Candidates
should aim to spend about 20 minutes on Task 1, which requires them to write at least 150
words, and 40 minutes on Task 2, which requires them to write at least 250 words. Task 2
contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.

In Task 1 General Training, candidates are asked to respond to a given situation with a
letter requesting information or explaining the situation. They are assessed on their ability
to engage in personal correspondence, provide general factual information, express
needs, wants, likes and dislikes, express opinions, complaints, etc.

Task 1 Academic requires candidates to look at a diagram or some data (in a graph, table
or chart) and to present the information in their own words. They are assessed on their
ability to organise, present and possibly compare data, and are required to describe the
stages of a process, describe an object or event, or explain how something works.

In Task 2, both sets of candidates are presented with a point of view, argument or problem.
They are assessed on their ability to outline a problem and present a solution, present
and justify an opinion, and to evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or arguments.
Candidates are also assessed on their ability to write in an appropriate style, and they may
also need to provide general factual information (General Training) or compare and
contrast evidence and opinions (Academic).

How is the Writing test assessed?

The assessment is based on a candidate’s performance in four areas:
1. Task Achievement (TA) in Task 1 or Task Response (TR) in Task 2
2. Coherence and Cohesion (CC)
3. Lexical Resource (LR)
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)
A candidate is given a score from 1 – 9 in each of the four categories. These, taken together,
give an overall score which is also from 1 – 9, but can also include .5 scores (e.g. 6.5).

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 3

 To assess the quality of a written test, IELTS examiners refer to band descriptors for
each category (TA/TR, CC, LR, GRA). In each band descriptor, there are between one
and four short descriptions (of what a candidate must do in order to be given that
particular score.
For example, here are the Band 6 descriptors for Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA):
• uses a variety of complex structures
• produces frequent error-free sentences
• has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors
If the examiner is sure that a candidate has achieved all three bullet points in their essay
or letter, that candidate will be given a score of Band 6 for GRA. However, if, for example,
the examiner decides that the candidate has achieved the second and third bullet points,
but has not included a ‘variety of complex structures’ – i.e. if their sentence forms are
limited or too basic – they will not qualify for a Band 6 score, so a Band 5 is more likely.

If the essay or letter achieves all of the descriptors for a Band 6, the examiner must then
decide if the candidate has done enough to be given a Band 7 for GRA. The descriptors
for this are as follows:
• uses a wide range of structures
• the majority of sentences are error-free
• makes only very occasional errors or inappropriacies
Let’s take the second bullet points in each band as an example of how an examiner will
use the descriptors:

Band 6 Band 7

●● produces frequent error-free sentences ●● the majority of sentences are error-free

Consider the difference in meaning between ‘frequent’ and ‘the majority of’. While the
Band 6 descriptor suggests that the candidate often produces error-free sentences, the
Band 7 one suggests that the sentences are mostly correct.
It is up to the examiner to decide which best applies to the paper that they are assessing,
but the difference between ‘often’ and ‘mostly’ correct can be the difference between
getting a Band 6 or a Band 7 for GRA.

When you consider that the examiner will be assessing your writing by using each of
the four categories – TA/TR, CC, LR and GRA – in the same level of detail, you can see
how helpful it can be for candidates to be able to read, understand and refer to the
band descriptors when they are preparing to take an IELTS test and practising their
writing skills.

The full public band descriptors for Task 1 and Task 2 can be found on www.ielts.org.

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 4

 How do I use the Band Buster?
The aim of the Band Buster is to help you to become more familiar with the way IELTS
examiners assess a writing test and then give it a score. Once you have a better idea of
what examiners look for, and can understand why an essay has been given a 5.0 rather
than 6.0, for example, you can then apply this knowledge to your own writing and,
hopefully, improve your own chances of a higher score.

Each Band Buster presents you with three separate answers to a Task 1 or Task 2 question.
These essays are all genuine responses that were written in real IELTS tests by real
candidates, and the overall score for each answer is the one that was given by the IELTS
examiner. All three answers in the Band Buster will have received the same overall score.

There are four sections in each Band Buster. The first section looks at Task Achievement
or Task Response, the second focuses on Coherence and Cohesion, then Lexical
Resource, and finally, Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Start from the beginning and work your way through each section to increase your
knowledge of how IELTS examiners assess every IELTS Writing task. All sections refer
to the relevant bullet points from the band descriptors and you are given a series of
questions that will help you understand why each candidate was given the score that they
received, and not higher. These questions take you through the main reasons why the
candidates’ answer received a 5.0, 6.0 or 7.0, and there are exercises to complete which
suggest ways in which each candidate might have been able to get an improved score.

Try not to answer the questions too quickly, and avoid checking the answer immediately
after reading a question. The Band Busters have been written to encourage self-
assessment, so if you take the time to analyse and understand the reasons why the
candidate did not get a higher score, you will have a greater chance of improving your
understanding of the band descriptors and through that becoming more confident
finding ways in which your answers could be improved.

Guide to symbols

The Strategy Box summarises the most important advice to

remember from each section.

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 5

 Task Achievement

TASK ACHIEVEMENT
Essay 1
1 In every Task 1 Writing test paper, examiners consider Task Achievement (TA).
Which TWO of the options (a–f) do you need to use to achieve a high score in TA?
a correct punctuation
b accurate spelling
c a variety of vocabulary
d correct use of data
e equal-length paragraphs
f well-chosen selection of information

2 Look at the task for Essay 1 and choose the correct option (a–c) in the
question below.

The table below gives information about changes in modes of travel in England between
1985 and 2000. ,
by mode of travel

1985 2000

Walking 255 237

Bicycle 51 41

Car 3,199 4,806

Local bus 429 274

Long distance bus 54 124

Train 289 366

Taxi 13 42

Other 450 585

All modes 4,740 6,475

The text above the table contains the ‘rubric’ – the instructions that explain what you have to
do in this part of the test. Which of the sentences (a–c) below do you think will be included
in the second part of the rubric (i.e. after ‘2000’)? Why?
a Write an essay including all the figures given and make comparisons between the highest and
lowest numbers.
b Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons
where relevant.
c Explain the advantages/disadvantages of five modes of travel and suggest reasons why their
numbers went up or down between 1985 and 2000.

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 Task Achievement

‘Summarise’ means ‘write a short, clear description that gives the main facts and
features’. Don’t include all the information that is on the page nor try to give reasons
from your own knowledge of the topic. Instead, write about most obvious differences
and similarities and the main trends.

3 Rearrange the words in the box to complete the heading at the top of the table
in Exercise 2, which explains what data is being presented.

travelled person miles in year distance Average per per

4 Answer the questions (a–e) to help you choose some of the main features of
the table for Essay 1 on the previous page.
a How many years are included in the table?
b In each year, which modes of travel were used the most / the least?
c Which modes of travel saw a decrease in their use?
d How did the total average distance travelled change between 1985 and 2000?
e Can any of the information be grouped together?
Hint: Look at the first three modes of travel listed in the table. How about the next four?

5 Read Essay 1. Does the candidate summarise the main features correctly?
Essay 1

In 2000 the most preferred mode of travel is by car with 4,806 people. There’s a noticable
decrease in public transportation locally where it dropped from 419 people in 1985 to 174
people in 2000. However the long distance bus rides is much more preferred by people as
its figures are more than doubles in the last 15 years. People who chose to walk or cycle are
decreased slightly in 2000 which probably made people to take the take the train more often.
There’s a significant increase in the number of people who travelled by train. It jumped from
289 in 1985 to 366 in 2000. This makes the train second popular mode of transportation.
Thi biggest leap in the chart is the increase of taxi users who are tripled in 2000 with 43
people. Where it was only 13 in 1985.
Apart from all this modes of travel, there are some more different types of travel as well of
course. Number of people choosing different modes of travel us rapidly increased from 450 to
585 in 2000.

6 Read the strategy box below, then look again at the beginning of Essay 1.
Has the candidate included an introduction?

At the start of your task 1 essay, you should include an introduction – a sentence or
two that introduces the information you are going to write about. To do this, you need to
rephrase the first sentence of the rubric – do not simply copy it onto your answer sheet.

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 7

 Task Achievement

7 Which is the best introduction (a–c) for this essay? Why?

a The table illustrates how the use of different modes of travel changed in the fifteen-year
period between 1985 and 2000 in England.
b The table shows how far people travelled in 1985 and 2000 in England, and which mode of
transport they used.
c The table shows changes in modes of travel in England between 1985 and 2000.

8 Match the high-level vocabulary used in the band descriptors (1–10) to the
correct meanings (a–j).

1 addresses a the things you need to do

2 covers b gives detailed attention to
3 requirements c well chosen
4 main trends d deals with
5 appropriately selected e brings attention to
6 adequately f not completely correct
7 highlights g not related to the question
8 irrelevant h in a way that is not suitable
9 inappropriate i in a way that is just enough, but no more
10 inaccurate j the most important changes or developments

9 Complete the TA band descriptors for Bands 6 and 7 by choosing the correct
options in 1–4.
Band 7
1
the requirements of the task
2
and 3 key features / bullet points but 4
Band 6
1
the requirements of the task
2
and 3 key features / bullet points but 4
1 addresses / covers
2 presents / clearly presents
3 adequately highlights / highlights
4 details may be irrelevant, inappropriate or inaccurate / could be more fully extended.

10 Which of the band descriptors above is relevant to this sentence from Essay 1?
What is the main problem with the sentence?

People who chose to walk or cycle are decreased slightly in 2000 which probably made people
to take the take the train more often.

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 8

 Task Achievement

11 Task 1 essays also require the candidate to write an overview of the data.
Complete the description of a Task 1 overview using the words in the box.

can essay features introduction limits must question section

In a Task 1 essay, the overview is the 1 summarising the main or most

important 2
of the information presented in the 3 .
You 4
write it just after the 5 or at the end of the
6
. To get a higher score for Task Achievement, you 7
include an overview. Not doing so severely 8 your chances of getting a
band score 6 for TA.

12 Which Bands are the descriptors below taken from: 5, 6 or 7?

1 presents an overview of main trends, differences or stages. = Band
2 recounts detail mechanically* with no clear overview. = Band
3 presents a clear overview of main trends, differences or stages. = Band
*If a candidate recounts detail mechanically, it means that they are writing about the data
without much thought, and without trying to summarise or to consider the main features of
the information given.

13 Following the descriptors above, which Band do you think Essay 1 in Exercise 5
would achieve for Task Achievement?
Essay 2
1 Look at the charts for this Task 1 question. How are they similar to / different
from the table in the Essay 1 task?

YEMEN
2000 2050
3.6% 5.7%
46.3% 50.1% 57.3% 37.0%

ITALY
2000 2050

14.3% 11.5%
24.1% 42.3%

61.6% 46.2%

0–14 years 15–59 years 60+ years

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 9

 Task Achievement

2 Use the information given in the charts on page 9 to complete the first part of
the rubric for this question.
The charts below give information on the ages of the populations of 1 and
2
in 3 and projections for 4 .

3 Use the words in the box to complete the second part of the rubric.

comparisons features relevant selecting summarise

1
the information by 2 and reporting the main 3 , and make
4
where 5 .

4 Read Essay 2 and answer the questions below.

Essay 2

The diagrams show statistic information regarding the ages of the habitants
of Yemen and Italy in 2000 and also a estimative for 2050.
We can see that in 2000 the majority of people in Yemen was between 0
and 14 years old, whith 50.1%, whereas in Italy most of the population was
between 15–59 years old (61.6%, in the same year. On the other hand, just 3.6%
of people in the former country was 60 years old or more in 2000, while in the
latter country this figure is represented with 24.1%
The projections for 2050 show that the number of people with 15–59 years and
60 years or more will increase in Yemen, reaching 57.3% and 5.7% respectively.
In contrast, in Italy, the population with 15–59 years will decrease to 46.2%,
while people with 60 years or more will grow to 42.3%
Overall, it is possible to see that there is an upward trend on the rates of
people with 60 years or more in both countries.

a Why did the candidate choose to structure their answer in this way (i.e. to compare the
figures for the year 2000, followed by the figures for 2050)?
b What would be an alternative way to structure your answer to the question?
c Which structure is more likely to gain credit from the examiner?

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 10

 Task Achievement

5 Can you complete the following information only by reading the essay,
without looking again at the charts? Why? / Why not?

Yemen
(2000): 0 – 14 = 50.1% 15 – 59 = 60+ = 3.6%
(2050): 0 – 14 = 15 – 59 = 57.3% 60+ = 5.7%
Italy
(2000): 0 – 14 = 15 – 59 = 61.6% 60+ = 24.1%
(2050): 0 – 14 = 15 – 59 = 46.2% 60+ = 42.3%

6 Does the candidate address or cover the requirements of the task? Are the
key features clearly presented and highlighted, or presented and adequately
highlighted?
7 Choose TRUE or FALSE for statements a–c.
In their answer to Essay 2, the candidate:
a selects and reports the main features correctly. TRUE FALSE
b makes comparisons where relevant. TRUE FALSE
c provides an informative introduction. TRUE FALSE

8 Look back at questions 11 and 12 on page 9 (the description of a Task 1

overview from Essay 1). How successful is the overview from Essay 2?
9 Continue writing the candidate’s final paragraph to create a more complete
overview for Essay 2.
Essay 3

Overall, it is possible to see that there is an upward trend on the rates of

people with 60 years or more in both countries.

1 Look at this Task 1 question. How is it similar to / different from the tasks in
Essays 1 and 2?

The graph below shows the demand for electricity in England

during typical days in winter and summer. The pie chart shows
how electricity is used in an average English home.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main

features, and make comparisons where relevant.

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 11

 Task Achievement

Typical daily demand for electricy

40,000

Winter
30,000

units of electricity
20,000

Summer
40,000

0 hrs 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24

What the electricy is used for:

1
3

1 52.5% Heating rooms, heating water

2 17.5% Ovens, kettles, washing machines
3 15% Lighting, TV, radio
4 15% Vacuum cleaners, food mixers, electric tools

2 Read the first paragraph of this candidate’s answer. How successfully does
it present:
a an introduction
b an overview?

3 Is the paragraph more likely to increase the candidate’s score to Band 7, or

keep it at Band 6?

The use of electricity in England is indispensed with Demand for

electricity in England during typical days in winter and summer
is illustrated in the graph. The use of electricity in an average
English home is shown in the pie chart. From the graph, it is
generally obvious that the demand is in its maximum around 2100,
and in its minimum around 600, being almost constant between
1200 and 2100 in winter times. During summer times, on the other
hand, the demand reaches its top point around 1300, and the
bottom point around 900, being almost contant between 1550
and 2000.

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 Task Achievement

4 Read the rest of Essay 3 and choose the correct options in italics below.
The candidate’s answer to this Task 1 question:
a focuses successfully / too closely on the details in the graph.
b fails to compare / compares the trends and general differences between the figures for
winter and summer.
c makes little / no attempt to compare the information in the chart to the graph.

In winter times, the curve gradually increases to reach 40,000

units of electricity by 3 o’clock inthe morning. This is followed
by gradual decline to its lowest limite of 30,000 units at 9
0’clock. A gradual rise is obvious again to reach a stationary level
between 3 0’clock and 9 o’ clock of about 40,000 units again.
Then, there is a sharp rise in the next hour to rech its maximum
before collapsing again to a lower level by the end of the day.
In summer time, the curve gradually decrease to reach its lower
limit around 9 o’clock of a bit more than 10,000 units. A gradual
increase is noticed to reach its top of 20,000 after which a
stationary phase is obvious between 3 o’clock and 10 o’ clock at
night of about 15,000 unites.
The pie chart, on the other hand, shows that 52.5% of
the electricity is used for heating rooms and water. 17.5% is
consumed for ovens, kettles and washing machines, 15% is used
in lighting, TV and radio, and finally 15% is consumed in the sue
of vacuum cleaners, food mixers and electric tools.

5 Which of the following options a–c compares the graph and the chart
most effectively?
a While the daily demand for electricity is shown as a line graph, the way it is generally
used is illustrated by using a pie chart.
b The biggest amount of electricity is used for heating rooms and water (52.5%), which is
much higher than the amount used for lighting, TV and radio. In the same way, winter is
much higher than summer in terms of the daily demand for electricity.
c Higher use of electricity during the winter months is reflected in the pie chart, which
shows that over half of the total electricity used goes entirely on heating.

6 Make a list of three things to do in Task 2 essays to increase your chances of

getting higher than Band 6 for TA.

1
2
3

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 13

 Coherence and Cohesion

COHERENCE AND COHESION

1 After Task Achievement (TA), examiners assess your essay for Coherence and
Cohesion (CC).
Look at the Band 6 descriptors in the box and answer the questions.

Band 6

●● arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression
●● uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and / or between sentences may
be faulty or mechanical
●● may not always use referencing clearly or appropriately

a What does ‘coherently’ mean?

i in a way that is clear and logical, with all parts connecting naturally and
sensibly together
ii in a way that forces the reader to slow down and think about what they are reading
b If the examiner sees a ‘clear overall progression’, this means that:
i the candidate develops their essay well, with a clear beginning, middle and end.
ii the candidate has included their notes and planning for the essay on the answer sheet.
c Which of the following words / phrases are example of ‘cohesive devices’? How would you
define ‘cohesive devices’?
‘however’, ‘at this point’, ‘initially’, ‘overall’, ‘while’
d In which of the following options is the cohesion ‘faulty’? Why?
i In Italy, most of the population was between 15–59 years old (61.6%) in 2000.
In contrast, just 3.6% of people were 60 years old.
ii In Italy, most of the population was between 15–59 years old (61.6%) in 2000.
Alternatively, just 3.6% of people were 60 years old.
e Which set of words are used for ‘referencing’?
i words like ‘show’, ‘comparison’, ‘note’, ‘relevant’, etc.
ii words like ‘it’, ‘this’, ‘them’, ‘these’, etc.

To get a good score in Coherence and Cohesion, your essay should be easy for the
examiner to read. It should not contain a lot of repetition of words or phrases and your
sentences and paragraphs should follow on logically from the previous ones.

2 Now look at the Band 7 descriptors in the box and answer the questions on
page 15.

Band 6
●● logically organises information and ideas; there is a clear progression throughout
●● uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some
underuse or overuse

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 14

 Coherence and Cohesion
a What is the difference between ‘logically organises information and ideas’ and ‘arranges
information and ideas’?
b What about ‘clear overall progression’ and ‘clear progression throughout’?

3 In this section from Essay 1, there are three examples of the candidate using
referencing clearly and appropriately. What does each highlighted word refer to?

There’s a significant increase in the number of people who travelled by train. It jumped
from 289 in 1985 to 366 in 2000. This makes the train second popular mode of
transportation. Thi biggest leap in the chart is the increase of taxi users who are tripled in
2000 with 43 people. Where it was only 13 in 1985.

4 Look at this section from the beginning of Essay 1. How could it have been
improved in terms of CC?
Hint: Look at the candidateʼs use of the year 2000.

In 2000 the most preferred mode of travel is by car with 4,806 people. There’s a noticable
decrease in public transportation locally where it dropped from 419 people in 1985 to 174
people in 2000.

5 The examiner may have considered the cohesion within this sentence to be
‘faulty’. Why?

Apart from all this modes of travel, there are some more different types of travel as well
of course. Number of people

6 Overall, what Band would you give Essay 1 for CC?

7 Below are two sections from Essays 2 and 3. Which is more likely to have
gained credit from the examiner for CC? Why?
Essay 2

The projections for 2050 show that the number of people with 1559 years and
60 years or more will increase in Yemen, reaching 57.3% and 5.7% respectively.
In contrast, in Italy, the population with 15–59 years will decrease to 46.2%,
while people with 60 years or more will grow to 42.3%

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 15

 Coherence and Cohesion

Essay 3

In winter times, the curve gradually increases to reach 40,000

units of electricity by 3 o’clock inthe morning. This is followed
by gradual decline to its lowest limite of 30,000 units at 9
0’clock. A gradual rise is obvious again to reach a stationary level
between 3 0’clock and 9 o’ clock of about 40,000 units again.
Then, there is a sharp rise in the next hour to rech its maximum
before collapsing again to a lower level by the end of the day.

8 In the, Essay 2 section above, correctly uses the word ‘respectively’. Using
the data from Essay 2, complete the sentence below by also correctly using
‘respectively’.

ITALY
2050
11.5%
42.3%

46.2% 0–14 years 15–59 years 60+ years

The projections for 2050 show that the number of people in Italy with 0 – 14 and 15 – 59 years

9 In Essay 2, the candidate avoids repeating ‘Yemen’ and ‘Italy’ by using two
words that refer back to those two countries. Read the extract below. Which
two words did the candidate use instead?

We can see that in 2000 the majority of people in Yemen was between 0
and 14 years old, whith 50.1%, whereas in Italy most of the population was
between 15–59 years old (61.6%, in the same year. On the other hand, just 3.6%
of people in the former country was 60 years old or more in 2000, while in the
latter country this figure is represented with 24.1%

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 16

 Coherence and Cohesion

10 Look at this section from Essay 3 and answer the questions.

a Which word does the candidate use three times?
b Which adjective does the candidate use twice, as well as the same word as an adverb?
c Which times of day does the candidate repeat? Why does this cause confusion?
d How could the candidate have avoided all of this repetition?

In winter times, the curve gradually increases to reach 40,000

units of electricity by 3 o’clock inthe morning. This is followed
by gradual decline to its lowest limite of 30,000 units at 9
0’clock. A gradual rise is obvious again to reach a stationary level
between 3 0’clock and 9 o’ clock of about 40,000 units again.
Then, there is a sharp rise in the next hour to rech its maximum
before collapsing again to a lower level by the end of the day.

11 Improve the paragraph below by (a) filling the gaps with words from the box,
and (b) removing three words from the first sentence.

former gradually midnight pm (x2) similarly steady

In Winter times, the curve 1 increases from around 35,000 units of electricity at
2
to reach 40,000 units of electricity by 3 o’clock in the morning. This is followed
by a 3
decline to its lowest limit of 30,000 units at 9 o’clock, with a 4
steady rise to reach the 5 figure between 3 6 and 9 7 . Then, there is a
sharp rise in the next hour to reach its maximum before collapsing again to a lower level by
the end of the day.

12 Make a list of three things to do in Task 2 essays to increase your chances of

getting higher than Band 6 for TA.

1
2
3

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 17

 Lexical Resource

LEXICAL RESOURCE
1 After Coherence and Cohesion, examiners asses your essay for Lexical Resource
(LR). Which of the options, a–d, is taken from the Band 6 descriptors for LR?
a use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
b addresses the requirements of the task
c may not always use referencing clearly or appropriately
d uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task

In the Band 7 descriptors for LR, the word collocation appears for the first time. A
collocation is a combination of words formed when two or more words are often used
together in a way that sounds correct (for example, ‘heavy rain’ / ‘strong wind’, as opposed
to ‘heavy wind’ / ‘strong rain’). Using less common collocations will increase your chances
of achieving above Band 6 for LR.

2 Choose the two correct options in italics which form collocations in

sentences a–c.
a There’s a considerable / meaningful / significant increase in the numbers of people who
travelled by train. (adjective–noun collocation)
b It’s possible to see that there is a(n) building / rising / upward trend on the rates of people
with 60 years or more in both countries. (adjective–noun collocation)
c 52% of electricity is used / consumed / applied for heating rooms and water. (noun–verb
collocation)

3 Match the words from Band 6 and 7 descriptors (1–8) to the definitions (a–h).
1 adequate / sufficient a make something more difficult
2 awareness b the quality of being exact
3 flexibility c ability to adapt to the situation
4 impede d easy to see or recognise
5 noticeable e understanding or knowledge of something
6 precision f enough for a particular purpose
7 range g variety of examples
8 style h features that are typical of the language

4 Are the descriptors below for Band 6 or Band 7? Circle the correct option (6 or 7).
1 attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy 6 | 7

2 uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision 6 | 7

3 makes some errors in spelling and / or word formation, but they do not
impede communication 6 | 7

4 May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and / or word formation 6 | 7

5 uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation 6 | 7

6 uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task 6 | 7

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 Lexical Resource

5 Look again at the rubric for Essay 3. Which of the introductions, a or b, do you
think the candidate wrote? Which would gain more credit from the examiner
for LR? Why?

The graph below shows the demand for electricity in England during typical days in winter
and summer. The pie chart shows how electricity is used in an average English home.

Demand for electricity in England during typical days in winter

and summer is illustrated in the graph. The use of electricity in
an average English home is shown in the pie chart.

The graph sets out the fluctuations in electricity usage during

typical English winter and summer days. The pie chart illustrates
how this utility is typically used in the average home in England.

6 Look again at this section from Essay 3 and answer questions 1–3.
1 How many spelling errors does the candidate make?
2 Does the range of vocabulary ‘allow some precision’, or is it ‘adequate … for the task’?
Find examples.
3 What score is this section more likely to get, Band 6 or band 7?

In winter times, the curve gradually increases to reach 40,000

units of electricity by 3 o’clock inthe morning. This is followed
by gradual decline to its lowest limite of 30,000 units at 9
0’clock. A gradual rise is obvious again to reach a stationary level
between 3 0’clock and 9 o’ clock of about 40,000 units again.
Then, there is a sharp rise in the next hour to rech its maximum
before collapsing again to a lower level by the end of the day.

If you are aiming for a Band score of 7 or above, it should show a variety of language
when reporting data, rather than simply copying down the numbers given in the graph /
table / chart. For example, would you be showing a better control of LR by writing ‘97%’ or
‘the vast majority (97%)’?

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 Lexical Resource

7 Match the highlighted figures in the text with options a–c.

The pie chart, on the other hand, shows that 52.5% of

the electricity is used for heating rooms and water. 17.5% is
consumed for ovens, kettles and washing machines, 15% is used
in lighting, TV and radio, and finally 15% is consumed in the sue
of vacuum cleaners, food mixers and electric tools.

a a third of that figure

b a little over half
c the exact same amount

8 Use the verbs and phrases in the box to describe the changes in the table.

doubled halved increased by a quarter

increased by a third quadrupled trebled

1 20% ➞ 40%

2 20% ➞ 60%

3 20% ➞ 80%

4 20% ➞ 10%

5 20% ➞ 27%

6 20% ➞ 25%

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 20

 Lexical Resource

9 Read Essay 1 again and highlight where the candidate has used:
a verbs or nouns that mean ‘go up’.
b verbs or nouns that mean ‘go down’.
c adjectives or adverbs to describe / refer to the changes.

In 2000 the most preferred mode of travel is by car with 4,806 people. There’s a noticable
decrease in public transportation locally where it dropped from 419 people in 1985 to 174
people in 2000. However the long distance bus rides is much more preferred by people as
its figures are more than doubles in the last 15 years. People who chose to walk or cycle are
decreased slightly in 2000 which probably made people to take the take the train more often.
There’s a significant increase in the number of people who travelled by train. It jumped from
289 in 1985 to 366 in 2000. This makes the train second popular mode of transportation.
Thi biggest leap in the chart is the increase of taxi users who are tripled in 2000 with 43
people. Where it was only 13 in 1985.
Apart from all this modes of travel, there are some more different types of travel as well of
course. Number of people choosing different modes of travel us rapidly increased from 450 to
585 in 2000.

10 Replace the underlined words in the final paragraph of Essay 1 above with the
words a–e to increase the candidate’s chances of a Band 7 score.
a options for
b alternative
c aside
d additional
e making use of

11 Look again at all three Band 7 descriptors for LR in the box. Does Essay 1
fulfil all of the requirements?

Band 7

● uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision

● uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation
● may produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and / or word formation

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 21

 Lexical Resource

Essay 2
1 Look at the introduction to Essay 2. Are there any obvious errors in word
formation? If so, correct the errors.

The diagrams show statistic information regarding the ages of the habitants
of Yemen and Italy in 2000 and also a estimative for 2050.

2 Now look at the section below from Essay 2 and answer questions a–c.
a Are there any spelling mistakes?
b Are there any obvious errors in word formation?
c Look at the underlined words. Are they likely to help the candidate achieve a Band score
of 7 for LR?

The projections for 2050 show that the number of people with 15-59 years
and 60 years or more will increase in Yemen, reaching 57.3% and 5.7%
respectively. In contrast, in Italy, the population with 15–59 years will decrease
to 46.2%, while people with 60 years or more will grow to 42.3%

3 Complete the words to form alternatives to ‘will’ that would help to move the
candidate’s score towards Band 7.
a is s t to
b is e x t d to
c is p e c t d to
d is a n p t d to

4 Read the following section from Essay 2. Which of the sentences on page 23
(a–c) did the candidate originally write to complete this paragraph? Which
would be more likely to gain credit from the examiner?

We can see that in 2000 the majority of people in Yemen was between 0 and 14
years old, whith 50.1%, whereas in Italy most of the population was between
15–59 years old (61.6%, in the same year.

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 Lexical Resource
a On the other hand, just 3.6% of people in the former country was 60 years old or more in
2000, while in the latter country this figure is represented with 24.1%.
b Also, just 3.6% of people in the former country was 60 years old or more in 2000, while in
the latter country the number was 24.1%.
c Meanwhile, a mere 3.6% of people in the former country had reached 60 years old or more
in 2000, while in the latter nation the corresponding figure was 24.1%.

5 Make a list of three things to do in Task 2 essays to increase your chances of

getting higher than Band 6 for LR.

1
2
3

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 23

 Grammatical Range and Accuracy

GRAMMATICAL RANGE AND ACCURACY

1 Correct the mistakes in sentences a–d.
a There’s a significant increase in the numbers of people who travelled by train.
b This number tripled in 2000 with 42 people. where it was only 13 in 1985.
c Number of people choosing different modes of travel is rapidly increased from 450
to 585 in 2000.
d The decrease in walking and cycling probably made people to take the train more often.

2 Look at the band descriptors (A–E) for Grammatical Range and Accuracy
(GRA) below. Which TWO descriptors describe a Band 6 essay and which
THREE describe a Band 7 essay?

A B C D E
● has good ● uses a variety ● makes some ● produces ● uses a mix
control of of complex errors in frequent of simple
grammar but structures grammar and error-free and complex
may make a punctuation sentences forms
few errors but they
rarely reduce
communication

3 Read Essay 1 again. Which Band do you think it scored for GRA, 6 or 7?

In 2000 the most preferred mode of travel is by car with 4,806 people. There’s a noticable
decrease in public transportation locally where it dropped from 419 people in 1985 to 174
people in 2000. However the long distance bus rides is much more preferred by people as
its figures are more than doubles in the last 15 years. People who chose to walk or cycle are
decreased slightly in 2000 which probably made people to take the take the train more often.
There’s a significant increase in the number of people who travelled by train. It jumped from
289 in 1985 to 366 in 2000. This makes the train second popular mode of transportation.
Thi biggest leap in the chart is the increase of taxi users who are tripled in 2000 with 43
people. Where it was only 13 in 1985.
Apart from all this modes of travel, there are some more different types of travel as well of
course. Number of people choosing different modes of travel us rapidly increased from 450 to
585 in 2000.

You should either report what you can see (present tense) or explain what happened
(past tense). If you mix your verb tenses, it may ‘cause some difficulty for the reader’.

4 In terms of GRA, the following sentence was unlikely to have been given credit
from the examiner. Why not?

People who chose to walk or cycle are decreased slightly in 2000.

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 Grammatical Range and Accuracy

5 Rearrange the words below to form a corrected version of the sentence

from Exercise 4.
cycle / decreased / walk / slightly / chose / 2000, / to / In / number. / who / people / in / or

Essay 2
6 Read the first two paragraphs of Essay 2 again. Underline examples of complex
structures (Band 7) that you find.

The use of electricity in England is indispensed with Demand for electricity in

England during typical days in winter and summer is illustrated in the graph.
The use of electricity in an average English home is shown in the pie chart.
From the graph, it is generally obvious that the demand is in its maximum
around 2100, and in its minimum around 600, being almost constant between
1200 and 2100 in winter times. During summer times, on the other hand, the
demand reaches its top point around 1300, and the bottom point around 900,
being almost contant between 1550 and 2000.
In winter times, the curve gradually increases to reach 40,000 units of
electricity by 3 o’clock inthe morning. This is followed by gradual decline to
its lowest limite of 30,000 units at 9 0’clock. A gradual rise is obvious again to
reach a stationary level between 3 0’clock and 9 o’ clock of about 40,000 units
again. Then, there is a sharp rise in the next hour to rech its maximum before
collapsing again to a lower level by the end of the day.

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 Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7 Look again at the first paragraph of Essay 2 on page 25. How has the candidate
combined these three pieces of information into one sentence? Why would
this gain credit from the examiner for GRA?
It is generally obvious that the demand is at its maximum around 2100.
It is at its minimum at 600.
It is almost constant between 1200 and 2100 in winter times.

8 Connect the following two sentences by using the verb in the ‘-ing’ form. Then
compare your answer to the final sentence in Paragraph 2 above.
Then, there is a sharp rise in the next hour to reach its maximum. Next, it collapsed again to
a lower level by the end of the day.

9 Combine the two sentences in (a) into a single sentence in (b) by writing a
word or words in the gap.
a A gradual increase is noticed to reach its top of 20,000. After this, a stationary phase is
obvious
b A gradual increase is noticed to reach its top of 20,000 a stationary phase is
obvious … .

The projections for 2050 show that the number of people with 15-59 years
and 60 years or more will increase in Yemen, reaching 57.3% and 5.7%
respectively. In contrast, in Italy, the population with 15–59 years will decrease
to 46.2%, while people with 60 years or more will grow to 42.3%

1
10 How could you change the section in essay 2 above in a different way to
improve your chances of a higher score for GRA?
Hint: Are the verb forms that the candidate uses correct?

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 Grammatical Range and Accuracy

11 Compare the two paragraphs from the original Essay 3 (Example A) with the
improved version (Example B). In Example A, highlight the places where
changes have to be made to move this essay from a Band 6 to a Band 7 for GRA.
Example A

In 2000 the most preferred mode of travel is by car with 4,806

people. There’s a noticable decrease in public transportation locally
where it dropped from 419 people in 1985 to 174 people in 2000.
However the long distance bus rides is much more preferred by
people as its figures are more than doubles in the last 15 years.
People who chose to walk or cycle are decreased slightly in 2000
which probably made people to take the take the train more often.
There’s a significant increase in the number of people who travelled
by train. It jumped from 289 in 1985 to 366 in 2000. This makes the
train second popular mode of transportation. Thi biggest leap in the
chart is the increase of taxi users who are tripled in 2000 with 43
people. Where it was only 13 in 1985.
Apart from all this modes of travel, there are some more different
types of travel as well of course. Number of people choosing different
modes of travel us rapidly increased from 450 to 585 in 2000.

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 27

 Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Example B

In 2000, the most preferred mode of travel was by car, with

4,806 people. A decrease was noticeable in public transportation
locally, where it dropped from 429 people in 1985 to 274 people in
2000. However, the long distance bus rides had become much more
preferred, by people as its figures had more than doubled in the last
15–year period.
The proportion of people choosing to walk or cycle had decreased
slightly by 2000, which may have encouraged people to take the
take the train more often. There was a significant increase in the
numbers of people who travelled by train, jumping from 289 in 1985
to 366 in 2000, which made the train the second-most popular mode
of transportation. The biggest leap in the chart was found in the
increase of taxi users, whose number had tripled to 42 people by
2000, whereas it had only been 13 in 1985
Apart from all such modes of travel, there are other more different
types of travel. The number of people choosing alternative modes of
travel had rapidly increased from 450 to 585 by 2000.

12 Make a list of three things to do in Task 2 essays to increase your chances of

getting higher than Band 6 for GRA.

1
2
3

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 28

 Grammatical Range and Accuracy

13 Look at all three essays again. Use the checklist below and decide on an
overall score for each essay. The ‘no’ answers you give will give you an idea
why each essay did not receive an overall score of 7.
Does the candidate:
correctly record all figures (e.g. numbers, dates, percentages, etc.)?
clearly present all key features?
avoid reporting details mechanically?
include a clear overview of main trends, differences or stages?
avoid repetition?
organise the information logically, showing clear progression throughout?
use a range of cohesive devices appropriately?
use a range of vocabulary that is sufficient to allow some flexibility
or precision (rather than being simply adequate)?
show some awareness of style and collocation?
avoid making spelling mistakes?
use verb forms correctly almost all of the time?
use punctuation correctly almost all of the time?
use a variety of complex grammar structures?

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 29

 Answer Key

ANSWER KEY
TASK ACHIEVEMENT
Essay 1
1 d and f
2 Option a is the correct option.
Option b – When there is as much data as there is in this table it is a mistake to try to
include everything you see. And if you only compare the highest and lowest figures, it is
unlikely that you will write at least 150 words. Option c – Task 1 exercises do not require
you to offer your opinions or ideas on a topic (that’s what you do in Task 2), nor should you
try to suggest or guess at reasons why the figures are at the levels shown. You only need to
report what you see.
3 Average distance in miles travelled per person per year. Or: Average distance travelled in
miles per person per year.
4 a Two b 1985 – Car (most), Taxi (least) / 2000 – Car (most), Bicycle (least) c Walking,
Bicycle, Local Bus d It increased by almost 2000 miles e Modes of transport available to
the public – Local bus, long distance bus, train, taxi. Solo or private transport – walking,
car, bicycle
5 No. The candidate has not understood what the figures represent, and has incorrectly
written about the number of people travelling on these modes of transport. In fact, as the
rubric states, the data represents the average number of miles travelled per person, per year.
Additionally, they don’t write anything about the increase in total travel. As a result, they
will lose marks for TA.
6 No.
7 Option a is the best introduction. It introduces the information correctly and paraphrases
the words in the rubric. Option b introduces the information incorrectly – the table
doesn’t show ‘how far people travelled’. Option c copies the rubric almost word-for-word.
8 1 d, 2 b, 3 a, 4 j, 5 c, 6 i, 7 e, 8 g, 9 h, 10 f
9 Band 7: 1 covers 2 clearly presents 3 highlights 4 could be more fully extended
Band 6: 1
 addresses 2 presents 3 adequately highlights 4 details may be irrelevant,
inappropriate or inaccurate.
10 ‘details may be irrelevant, inappropriate or inaccurate’ There is nothing in the graph that
clearly shows this cause and effect relationship – the candidate is guessing, or speculating
about, the reason why the trend developed in a particular way without any reasonable
evidence. As explained previously, this should be avoided in a Task 1 essay.
11 1 section 2 features 3 question 4 can 5 introduction 6 essay 7 must 8 limits
12 1 6 2 5 3 7
13 Given that this candidate does not provide an overview of the main trends, it certainly
would not be given Band 7. In fact, as they have missed out this essential part of the essay,
it’s likely that the essay was given Band 5, even though, on the whole, it summarises the
figures reasonably well. As a result, getting an overall score of 7 would be very difficult, as
the candidate would need to get a Band 8 in either CC, LR or GRA to balance things out.

Essay 2
1 Similar – information is given about two years, and the different trends between the two
Different – The data is for two countries not one and less data are given.

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 30

 Answer Key
2 The charts below give information on the ages of the populations of Yemen / Italy and
Italy / Yemen in 2000 and projections for 2050.
3 1
Summarise the information by 2 selecting and reporting the main 3 features, and make
4
comparisons where 5 relevant.
4 a This is a logical way to deal with the data: by year – first 2000, then 2050.
b You could choose to deal with the data in turn by country, rather than by year.
c Neither is better than the other – it simply depends on how the candidate wants to
approach the question.
5 No, you need to look at the data in the chart as well.
6 No. The candidate only addresses the requirements of the task, and merely presents and
adequately highlights the key features.
7 a F
 ALSE. When there is so little data given, as is the case in this task (as opposed to the
table from Essay 1), it is a mistake not to include everything.
b TRUE
c TRUE
8 The candidate has presented an overview. However, focusing only on one age group
means that it is not a clear overview (Band 7) of all the information given.
9 Suggested answer
However, this is far more considerable in Italy, where the 60+ age group will have almost
doubled in size by 2050. In Yemen, the vast majority of the population will be under 60 in
2050 (much the same, in fact, as in 2000).

Essay 3
1 The line graph presents trends, as do both Essay 1 and 2, but in this case the trends are
given over considerably more than two points in time. The pie chart obviously presents
data in the same format as Essay 2, but this is not relevant for the purposes of what you
actually write on the page. The main difference is that Essay 3 provides two separate sets
of data which have a different focus to one another.
2 The introduction is confusing initially, as it is not at all clear what the first sentence
means. However, the following two sentences are adequate for an introduction. b) An
overview is presented, but it is not immediately clear. This is largely due to the fact that
the candidate has included a good amount of data (you should always avoid doing this).
Additionally, there is no mention of the information presented in the pie chart As a result,
the examiner would have had difficulty in identifying this section as the overview.
3 Keep it at Band 6.
4 a too closely b fails to compare c no attempt
5 Option c is the best option. Option a – this information is not relevant to a summary of the
main features presented in the data. Option b – There is no real comparison given here, it
is more of a case of the candidate finding a basic similarity (i.e. heating rooms was highest
in the line graph, while winter was the highest in the pie chart).
6 Suggested answers
1 Cover all parts of the task
2 Clearly present the main features of the chart/graph
3 Make sure everything is covered in enough detail

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 Answer Key

COHERENCE AND COHESION

1 a i b i c all of them d ii. Alternatively cannot be used here. It is used to suggest another
possibility or to offer a choice. e ii Referencing means referring to people or things that
have already been mentioned.
2 a ‘logically organises information’ suggests that the candidate has selected the main
features correctly, and then written their essay to report these in a clear and informative
way. ‘arranges information and ideas’ suggests that the candidate has selected the main
features correctly, and the essay flows well enough, but there may be points where, for
example, the information has not been grouped together particularly logical way.
b I t is helpful here to think of ‘overall’ as being the equivalent of ‘on the whole’, and
‘throughout’ as the equivalent of ‘from start to finish’.
3 ‘It’ – the number(s) of people ‘This‘– The jump in train users ‘it’ – the number of taxi users
4 Suggested answer: In 2000 the most preferred mode of travel is by car with 4,806 people.
In the same year, there’s a noticeable decrease in public transportation locally, where it
dropped from 429 people in 1985 to 274 people.
5 There are three cohesive devices in a short sentence (two of which are better suited to
speech): Apart from, as well, of course.
6 No more than a Band 6 because ‘cohesion within … sentences may be faulty.’
7 Essay 2 is more likely to have gained credit because ‘it arranges information and ideas
coherently and there is a clear overall progression.’ and it uses ‘referencing clearly or
appropriately’ by using words like ‘respectively’ and ‘In contrast’.
Essay 3 uses words like ‘this’ and ‘then, which are correct but doesn’t show ‘referencing
clearly or appropriately’.
8 The projections for 2050 show that the number of people in Italy with 0 – 14 and 15 – 59
years will increase, reaching 42.3% and 46.2% respectively.
9 former / latter
10 a again b gradual, gradually c 3 o’ clock / 9 o’clock. 9 o’clock is used to refer to both
morning and evening, which is confusing. d In the third sentence, the candidate seems
to be referring to the same times as mentioned previously.
11 In Winter times, the curve 1 gradually increases from around 35,000 units of electricity at
2
midnight to reach 40,000 units of electricity by 3 o’clock in the morning. This is followed
by a 3 steady decline to its lowest limit of 30,000 units at 9 o’clock, with a 4 similarly steady
rise to reach the 5 former figure between 6 3pm and 7 9pm. Then, there is a sharp rise in the
next hour to reach its maximum before collapsing again to a lower level by the end of the
day.
The result of making these changes is that the examiner will now see this section as the
candidate showing a good use of vocabulary, rather than poor control of CC.
12 Suggested answers
1 Organise ideas and information logically
2 Use cohesive devices effectively
3 Make sure referencing is clear and appropriate

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 Answer Key

LEXICAL RESOURCE
1 d
2 a considerable / significant b rising / upward c used / consumed
3 1 f, 2 e, 3 c, 4 a, 5 d, 6 b, 7 g, 8 h
4 1 Band 6 2 Band 7 3 Band 6 4 Band 7 5 Band 7 6 Band 6
5 Introduction b paraphrases the rubric, whereas most of the words in introduction a are
directly copied from the rubric.
6 1 Three: ‘increares, limite, rech,’ 2 It is adequate for the task. For example, ‘gradual rise’,
‘gradual decline’, ‘sharp rise’ are sufficient to explain the type of movement in the graph.
However, ‘collapsing’ is a little extreme to describe what happens to the demand for
electricity – ‘falling steeply’ would be more appropriate. 3 There are ‘some’, rather than
‘occasional’, errors. However, they definitely do not ‘impede communication’, so Band 6
would seem to apply here.
7 52.5% = a little over half, 17.5% = a third of that figure, 15% = the exact same amount
8 1 doubled 2 trebled 3 quadrupled 4 halved 5 increased by a third 6 increased by
a quarter
9 a doubled, increase, jumped, leap, tripled, increased b decrease, dropped, decreased
c notic(e)able, more than, slightly, significant, biggest, rapidly
10 a types of b different c apart d some more different e choosing
11 No. Although the errors in spelling are only occasional, overall the candidate’s choice of
vocabulary does not show enough of a range to be given Band 7.

Essay 2
1 The diagrams show statistical information regarding the ages of the inhabitants of Yemen
and Italy in 2000 and also an estimate for 2050.
2 a No b No c No, they are all basic / common verbs used with ‘will’.
3 a is set to b is predicted to c is expected to d is anticipated to
4 The candidate wrote a. Sentence c would gain more credit from the examiner, as there
are several examples of less common lexical items, correctly used (‘Meanwhile’, ‘mere’,
‘former’, ‘corresponding’)
5 Suggested answers
1 Use a wider range of vocabulary
2 Make sure to use less common vocabulary
3 Check for spelling and word formation mistakes

GRAMMATICAL RANGE AND ACCURACY

1 a There was a significant increase in the number of people who travelled by train.
b This number had tripled by 2000 with 42 people, whereas it was only 13 in 1985.
c The number of people choosing different modes of travel is rapidly increased from 450
to 585 in 2000.
d The decrease in walking and cycling probably made people to take the train more often.
2 C and E – Band 6, A, B and D – Band 7
3 Student’s own answer
4 The candidate uses the wrong verb form. It should be an active verb ‘decreased’, but they

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 33

 Answer Key
have written a passive verb, ‘be decreased. This impacts on the meaning of the sentence;
after all, people can’t decrease themselves in size
5 In 2000, the number of people who chose to walk or cycle decreased slightly / slightly
decreased.
6 The use of electricity in England is indispensed with Demand for electricity in England
during typical days in winter and summer is illus trated in the graph. The use of electricity
in an average English home is shown in the pie chart. From the graph, it is generally
obvious that the demand is in its maximum around 2100, and in its minimum around 600,
being almost constant between 1200 and 2100 in winter times. During summer times,
on the other hand, the demand reaches its top point around 1300, and the bottom point
around 9 00, being almost contant between 1550 and 2000.
In winter times, the curve gradually increases to reach 40,000 units of electricity by 3
o’clock in the morning. This is followed by gradual decline to its lowest limite of 30,000
units at 9 0’clock. A gradual rise is obvious again to reach a stationary level between 3
0’clock and 9 o’ clock of about 40,000 units again. Then, there is a sharp rise in the next
hour to rech its maximum before collapsing again to a lower level by the end of the day.
7 ‘It is generally obvious that the demand is in its maximum around 2100, and in its
minimum around 600, being almost constant between 1200 and 2100 in winter times’.
This shows a higher control of GRA in the way it creates a longer, more complex sentence,
particularly in its use of an ‘-ing’ verb (‘being’) to connect sentence 2 with sentence 3.
8 Suggested answer
Then, there is a sharp rise in the next hour to reach its maximum, before collapsing again
to a lower level by the end of the day.
9 A gradual increase is noticed to reach its top of 20,000, after which a stationary phase is
obvious …
10 The projections for 2050 show that the number of people with 15–59 years and 60 years or
more will have increased in Yemen, reaching 57.3% and 5.7% respectively. In contrast, in
Italy, the population with 15–59 years will have decreased to 46.2%, while people with 60
years or more will have grown to 42.3%.
11 In 2000, the most preferred mode of travel was by car, with 4,806 people. A decrease was
noticeable in public transportation locally, where it dropped from 429 people in 1985
to 274 people in 2000. However, the long distance bus rides had become much more
preferred, by people as its figures had more than doubled in the last 15-year period.
The proportion of people choosing to walk or cycle had decreased slightly by 2050, which
may have encouraged people to take the take the train more often*. There was a significant
increase in the numbers of people who travelled by train, jumping from 289 in 1985 to
366 in 2000, which made the train the second-most popular mode of transportation. The
biggest leap in the chart was found in the increase of taxi users, whose number had tripled
to 42 people by 2000, whereas it had only been 13 in 1985.
Apart from all such modes of travel, there were other more different types of travel. The
number of people choosing alternative modes of travel had rapidly increased from 450 to
585 by 2000.
12 Suggested answers
1 Use a variety of complex sentences
2 Check for grammar mistakes such as subject-verb agreement, tense and articles
3 Check punctuation mistakes
13 Students’ own answers

© Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2022 IELTS Band Buster | 34

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