Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-30
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 types of dance classes taken by two age groups: under 11 and 11–16.
Overall, private studios are the most common place for dance lessons, while college-based studios are the least popular. In terms of dance styles, younger children generally prefer ballet, whereas older students are more interested in modern dance.
Looking first at the locations, nearly half of all dance classes (48%) are held in private studios. School halls used for after-school activities account for the second-largest share at 24%. Community halls and other venues represent 18% of the total, while only 10% of classes take place in college-based studios.
Regarding the types of dance classes, ballet is the most popular choice among children under 11, with considerably more participants than in the older age group. By contrast, modern dance attracts the highest number of students aged 11–16, while fewer younger children take part in this style. Hip-hop is also more popular among teenagers than younger children. In comparison, jazz shows only a small difference between the two groups, suggesting that it appeals to both younger and older students.
In conclusion, private studios dominate as the preferred location for dance classes, while dance preferences vary according to age, with younger children favouring ballet and older students choosing modern styles.
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 effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the data, identified the main trends in both charts, and made relevant comparisons between the age groups. The selection of data is accurate, and the key features—such as the dominance of private studios and the age-related preferences for ballet versus modern dance—are well-highlighted. The information is logically presented, and the summary is balanced, ensuring that all aspects of the prompt are covered without any significant omissions. This is a strong, focused response that fully meets the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is well-organized with a clear, logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, the location data, the dance style data, and the conclusion. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In terms of', 'Looking first at', 'By contrast', and 'In comparison', which help the reader navigate the information smoothly. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different data sets, and the referencing is clear throughout. The flow of information is natural and professional, contributing to a coherent and easy-to-follow report.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data-reporting task. Phrases such as 'account for the second-largest share', 'considerably more participants', and 'suggesting that it appeals to' show a level of precision and flexibility. The vocabulary is used accurately to describe trends and comparisons. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or synonyms for 'popular' or 'common' could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong, and there are no errors that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The response displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('while college-based studios are the least popular') and comparative structures. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no noticeable grammatical errors. The control over sentence construction is consistent, and the writing is error-free for the most part. The variety of structures used is sufficient to convey the information clearly and professionally, meeting the criteria for a high band score.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.