Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-25

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The bar chart below shows the percentage of Australian men and women in different age groups who did regular physical activity in 2010.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The figure illustrates the percentage of Australian men and women of variable age groups who did physical activity on daily basis in 2010.

Overall, greater number of males had performed regular exercise than females except one exception in 15 to 24 age group. The percentage of males of different age groups is broadly similar however in case of females it is variable.

The males between age 15 to 24 are just above 50 percent on the contrast females are slightly below 50. Then there is a decline in males aged around 25 to 34 and comes to around 42 percent while slight increase in female percentage.

The next three age groups (35 to 44, 45 to 54 and 55 to 64) remained broadly the same with females just around 40 percent and males just above 50 percent. In the last both males and females of age 65 or over it had mainly the same percentage around 46 and 47.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the bar chart and makes relevant comparisons between genders and age groups. You successfully identified the general trend that males participated more in physical activity, with the exception of the 15-24 age group. However, the report lacks precision in data reporting. For example, you mention 'just above 50 percent' or 'around 42 percent' without referencing the specific values clearly. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide more accurate data points from the chart and avoid vague descriptions like 'the next three age groups remained broadly the same' without specifying the actual percentages for those categories.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific age groups. There is a clear progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. Phrases like 'The next three age groups' and 'In the last' are functional but repetitive. The transition between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') to better connect the comparisons between the male and female data sets.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms such as 'illustrates', 'variable', and 'decline'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'greater number of males had performed' (should be 'a greater percentage of males performed') and 'on the contrast' (should be 'in contrast'). The vocabulary is generally sufficient to convey the message, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Focusing on more precise reporting verbs and comparative adjectives would enhance your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'on daily basis' (missing 'a'), 'except one exception' (redundant), and 'in the last both males and females... it had' (subject-verb agreement error). Punctuation is also inconsistent in places. To improve, focus on article usage and ensuring that subjects and verbs agree, especially when discussing statistical data. Increasing the variety of complex structures would also help demonstrate better control.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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