Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-30

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 8.0)

The bar chart illustrates the proportion of Australian men and women who participated in regular physical activity in 2010 across six age groups.

Overall, women were more active than men in most age categories, except among the youngest group. The highest participation rate for men was in the 15–24 age group at 52.8%, compared with 47.7% for women. However, from ages 25 to 64, women consistently recorded higher levels of activity. The most notable difference occurred in the 35–44 group, where 52.5% of women exercised regularly compared with only 39.5% of men.

Activity levels for both genders declined from early adulthood to middle age, before rising slightly in the older groups. In the 65 and over category, the figures converged, with men at 46.7% and women at 47.1%.

In summary, women were generally more active, particularly between ages 25 and 64, while men were only more active in the youngest group.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 9.0

The response fully and accurately addresses all parts of the task. The student selects and reports the main features of the bar chart, providing precise statistical data such as the highest participation rates for men (52.8% in the 15-24 age group) and women (53.3% in the 45-54 age group). Clear and relevant comparisons are made between genders across the age categories, noting exceptions like the youngest age group where men were more active. Furthermore, a well-formulated overview is provided in the second and final paragraphs, capturing the general trends successfully. All figures cited are factually accurate according to the provided chart. The requirements for an Academic Task 1 response are thoroughly met with well-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Information and ideas are presented in a coherent sequence, beginning with an introductory statement, followed by detailed body paragraphs comparing genders and age groups, and concluding with a concise summary. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct thematic points. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'However', 'In the 65 and over category', and 'In summary' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the data without being obtrusive or mechanical. Reference pronouns and substitution are handled smoothly, contributing to the overall flow of the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for this task type. Words and phrases such as 'proportion', 'participated in regular physical activity', 'consistently recorded higher levels', 'notable difference', and 'figures converged' show a good awareness of academic style and collocation. There are no spelling or word-choice errors, and the language used is precise and natural. While it does not employ highly sophisticated or uncommon lexical items throughout, the vocabulary is fully adequate and used with good flexibility and accuracy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('while men were only more active in the youngest group', 'where 52.5% of women exercised regularly compared with only 39.5% of men'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and punctuation is handled with high precision. Control over verb tenses, particularly past simple reference to the 2010 data, is consistently accurate. The grammatical control supports clear communication throughout the text.

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