Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-01
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The graph below gives information on the numbers of participants for different activities at one social centre in Melbourne, Australia for the period 2000 to 2020.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
THE GRAPH ILLUSTRATE INFORMATION ABOUT PARTICIPANTS FOR ACTIVITIES AT ONE SOCIAL CENTER IN AUSTRALIA IN BETWEEN 2000 TO 2020. THERE WAS MAJOUR FOUR SPORTS FILM CLUB, MARTIAL ARTS, AMATEUR DRAMATICS, TABLE TENNIS, MUSICAL PERFORMANCES. AND THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS ARE IN BETWEEN 0 TO 70 AS PER GRAPH.
IN 2000, FILM CLUB WAS THE SPORT WHERE HIGH NUMBER OF PEOPLE PARTICIPANTING AROUND 65 AND IT DECREASE IN 2010 TO 60 BUT IN THE END IN 2020 IT WAS GOOD PROGRESSING IN NUMBER. THERE WAS ALSO 2ND HIGHEST NUMBER OF NATIVES JOINING FOR MARTIAL ARTS AROUND 38 BUT IN THIS ACTIVITY THERE WAS VERY UP AND DOWN SHOWS IN EVERY 5 YEAR GAP. IN 2020 IT WAS STILL AT SAME NUMBER WHEN INTO 2000.
HOWEVER, IN TABLE TENNIS SPORT THERE WAS LOW NUMBER OF PEOPLE PARTICIPANTING IN 2000 BUT IT WAS INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY TO 50 IN 2020. FOR OTHER ACTIVITY, IN AMATEUR DRAMATICS THERE IS DRAMETICAL DECLINE SHOWN IN NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS FROM 2000 TO 2020. AND THERE WAS NO SINGLE PERSON PARTICIPANTING FOR MUSICAL PERFORMANCES IN 2000 AND ALSO IN 2005 BUT FROM 2010 THERE WAS NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTING SHOW TO UP TILL 2020 BY NUMBER OF 11 PARTICIPANTS.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main trends for the five activities. However, the overview is weak; it merely lists the activities rather than highlighting the most significant trends, such as the overall growth in table tennis or the decline in amateur dramatics. While the data is generally accurate, the description of the film club is slightly confusing, and the reporting of figures could be more precise. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide a clear, analytical overview in the introduction and avoid listing data points without synthesizing them into meaningful comparisons.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally inaccurate, such as the awkward transition 'AND THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS ARE IN BETWEEN 0 TO 70'. The progression of ideas is sometimes disjointed, particularly when moving between different activities. While the paragraphing is functional, the internal cohesion within paragraphs needs to be smoother to improve the flow of information. Using a wider variety of linking words would help connect the sentences more logically.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and sophistication. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'MAJOUR FOUR SPORTS' (instead of 'major activities') and 'NATIVES JOINING' (which is contextually incorrect). The repetition of basic verbs like 'increase' and 'decrease' limits the range. To improve, you should focus on using more precise collocations for describing trends, such as 'experienced a significant rise' or 'witnessed a sharp decline', and ensure that terminology is used accurately in the context of the graph.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('THE GRAPH ILLUSTRATE', 'NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS ARE'), incorrect tense usage ('IT DECREASE'), and awkward phrasing ('THERE WAS VERY UP AND DOWN SHOWS'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with capitalization. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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