Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-07

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 5.5)

The pie chart illustrates various places whereas the other chart demonstrates ages of different people in an Australian town participating in dance classes.

Overall, the piechart shows private studios are the most common places for dance practice along with other places like school halls, community halls, college based studios also being used. However, the horizontal bar chart depicts Ballet and Tap dance being more common among people under age 11 whereas Modern dance is practiced more frequently by people in 11-16 age group.

Location of dance is heavily dictated by private studios ranging upt 48%. After private studios school halls are the most common choice, which is 24%. Community halls and college based studios are in 3rd and 4th place ranging 18% and 10% respectively.

The bar chart shows ballet dance class has the most number of students under age 11, above 600. Tap and modern dance classes have gradually decreasing attendance by the same age people, around 450 and 300 respectively. However, for people of age group 11-16, Moder dance ranks the highest position in terms of student number, somewhat more than 500. Tap and Ballet dance has students of this age group, from above 400 and around 300 respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of both charts and provided relevant comparisons. You covered the location data and the age-related dance preferences well. However, there are some inaccuracies in your reporting of the data. For instance, you stated that private studios range 'upt 48%', but the chart shows exactly 48%. Additionally, your description of the bar chart data for the 11-16 age group is slightly imprecise; for example, you mention 'somewhat more than 500' for Modern dance, whereas the bar clearly aligns with 500. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are cited with absolute precision and that you consistently distinguish between the two charts in your introductory overview.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs focusing on separate charts. You use cohesive devices such as 'However', 'After', and 'respectively' to link ideas. While the progression is generally clear, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. For example, the start of the third paragraph, 'Location of dance is heavily dictated by...', could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is grouped logically, which helps the reader follow the comparison of the two distinct data sets effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'illustrates', 'demonstrates', 'dictated', and 'respectively'. There are some minor errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'upt' instead of 'up to' and 'Moder' instead of 'Modern'. While you successfully use some topic-specific vocabulary, the range is somewhat limited. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'common' or 'frequently' and ensure that your spelling is accurate throughout the response to avoid distracting the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'the most number of students' (should be 'the highest number of students') and 'Tap and Ballet dance has students' (should be 'have students'). Additionally, there are minor punctuation and preposition errors, such as 'in 3rd and 4th place' (should be 'in 3rd and 4th places'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage will help improve your accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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