Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-27
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 8.5)
The charts illustrate the locations where young people in an Australian town attend dance classes and compare the numbers of students in three types of dance classes by age group.
Overall, private studios are by far the most popular venue for dance classes, while college-based studios are the least common. In terms of dance styles, ballet is the most popular among children under 11, whereas modern dance is preferred by those aged 11–16.
According to the pie chart, almost half of all dance classes (48%) are held in private studios. School halls account for the second-largest proportion at 24%, followed by community halls and other venues, which make up 18%. In contrast, only 10% of classes take place in college-based studios.
The bar chart shows clear differences in dance preferences between the two age groups. Around 600 children under 11 attend ballet classes, compared with approximately 300 students aged 11–16. Tap dancing attracts similar numbers in both groups, with about 450 younger students and 420 older students. However, modern dance is considerably more popular among teenagers, with just over 500 participants, while only around 300 children under 11 take part in this type of class.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main features of both the pie chart and the bar chart, providing a clear overview and supporting your points with accurate data. The comparison between the two age groups is well-handled, and the selection of information is relevant and balanced. You have effectively highlighted the key trends, such as the popularity of private studios and the contrasting preferences for ballet and modern dance between the two age groups. The report is concise, accurate, and meets all the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overall summary, the pie chart analysis, and the bar chart analysis. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In terms of', 'According to', 'In contrast', and 'However', to link your ideas smoothly. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows naturally from one point to the next. The structure is clear and easy to follow, which is a hallmark of a high-scoring response.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information precisely. Phrases like 'account for the second-largest proportion', 'clear differences in dance preferences', and 'considerably more popular' demonstrate a good command of language. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for an academic report. While the range is solid, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms or collocations related to data description (e.g., 'predominant', 'marginal', or 'a significant disparity') could elevate the response further. There are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The response displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as the use of subordinate clauses in 'while modern dance is preferred by those aged 11–16'. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is clear, professional, and demonstrates a strong grasp of English grammar.
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