Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-25

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The charts below give information on the location and types of dance classes young people in a town in Australia are currently attending.

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

Student answer (Band 9.0)

The charts illustrate where dance classes attended by young people in an Australian town are held and compare the popularity of different dance styles among two age groups.

Overall, most dance classes take place in private studios, while school halls are the second most common venue. In terms of dance styles, younger children show a clear preference for ballet, whereas teenagers are more likely to participate in modern dance. Tap dancing attracts similar numbers in both age groups.

Private studios account for the largest proportion of dance class venues, representing almost half of all classes. School halls make up approximately one quarter, making them the second most popular location. Community halls and other venues each account for a relatively small share, while colleges and universities host the fewest classes.

Regarding dance styles, ballet is by far the most popular choice among children aged under 11, with around 600 participants. However, interest in ballet declines sharply among those aged 11 to 16, with attendance falling to approximately 300. The opposite pattern is evident for modern dance, which attracts only about 300 younger students but rises to just over 500 among older participants, making it the most popular style in this age group. By comparison, tap dancing enjoys moderate and relatively balanced participation, with around 450 younger students and 400 older ones.

Overall, the data suggest that dance preferences shift significantly with age, although private studios remain the dominant venue for classes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified and reported the main features of both charts, providing a clear overview and supporting your points with accurate data. You made relevant comparisons, such as noting the shift in preference between age groups for ballet and modern dance. The information is well-selected and logically presented, fully addressing all parts of the prompt without any omissions. The inclusion of specific figures (e.g., 'around 600 participants', 'approximately 300') demonstrates a strong ability to interpret visual data effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You use paragraphing effectively to separate the two distinct data sets (venues and dance styles). Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In terms of', 'Regarding', and 'By comparison' are used naturally to guide the reader through the information. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, making the structure very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'clear preference', 'declines sharply', 'opposite pattern is evident', and 'moderate and relatively balanced participation' show a high level of control. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to the professional tone of the response. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey the data accurately and fluently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

Your writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as 'While private studios account for the largest proportion... school halls make up approximately one quarter', and maintain consistent control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few structures used are handled with confidence, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence suitable for this task.

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