Read the bar graph band 7 sample answer on the topic: The chart below shows the number of households in the US by their annual income in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
The chart below shows the number of households in the US by their annual income in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Introduction:
The bar graph illustrates the distribution of households in the US based on their annual income in the years 2007, 2011, and 2015.
Overview:
The chart shows a rise in US households earning $100,000 or more from 2007 to 2015, while lower-income groups remain stable. Middle-income categories fluctuate slightly without a clear trend.
Body Paragraph:
The number of US households earning $100,000 or more increased significantly, rising from around 30 million in 2007 to nearly 35 million in 2015, making it the largest income group by the end of the period. In contrast, the lowest income category (less than $25,000) remained relatively stable at approximately 25 million households throughout the years. The middle-income groups ($50,000–$74,999 and $75,000–$99,999) fluctuated slightly but showed no clear growth trend. Meanwhile, households earning $25,000–$49,999 remained consistent at around 22 million. This data highlights a shift toward higher-income households over time.
Band Score Analysis 7.0 Bands:
Task Response (Band 7.0)
- The response effectively summarizes key trends in household income distribution, with clear comparisons between different income groups.
- The overview correctly highlights the main trends: growth in high-income households and stability in lower-income groups.
- The body paragraph supports these trends with accurate figures and comparative analysis.
Grammar (Band 7.0)
- The grammar is mostly accurate and varied, with appropriate tense usage and comparative structures (e.g., “remained relatively stable,” “fluctuated slightly but showed no clear trend”).
- Sentence structure is well-formed, with a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
Vocabulary (Band 7.0)
- The vocabulary is appropriate and varied, with academic expressions (e.g., “income distribution,” “remained consistent,” “highlights a shift toward”) that enhance clarity.
- Strong use of comparative language (“largest income group by the end of the period,” “remained relatively stable”) supports coherence.
Coherence & Cohesion (Band 7.5)
- The response is well-structured, progressing smoothly from introduction to overview and then to detailed data analysis.
- Transitions and linking words (e.g., “in contrast,” “meanwhile,” “remained consistent at around”) enhance clarity.
Read this article to find out more tips for IELTS writing task 1 and find out more about bar graph band 7 sample answers here.
