Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-17
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 given pie chart shows the proportion of the location of dance classes while the bar graph illustrates the numbers of pupils attended types of dance classes.
It can be observed that from the pie chart, the majority of dance classes were held at private studios which was 48%. About half of the classes were organised at school halls with 24%. While 18% community halls place for organising dance classes, more than half college based studios (10%) were chosen for dance classes.
It can be seen that from the bar graph, the largest pupils with 600 and under 11 years old attended ballet classes. Half students (300) who age between 11 and 16 years were went to ballet classes. Below 11 years children with 450 were went to tap classes whereas 420 students attended tap classes. More than 500 students whose age from 11 to 16 were went to modern classes. Below 11 years students attended modern classes accounted for 300.
Overall, private studios were the popular choice of youngsters however tap class was the favourite dance class for both age group.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of both charts, but the analysis is inconsistent. While you identify the most popular location and some age-related trends, the data reporting is often inaccurate or confusing. For example, you state 'more than half college based studios (10%) were chosen', which is mathematically contradictory. Additionally, the description of the bar graph is difficult to follow; you mention '600 and under 11 years old' for ballet, but the data interpretation lacks clarity regarding the comparison between age groups. To improve, ensure that your data points are accurate and that you clearly distinguish between the two age categories (under 11 and 11-16) to provide a more logical summary.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'It can be observed that from the pie chart' are repetitive. The transition between sentences within the second paragraph is weak, making the flow of information feel disjointed. While there is an attempt at an overview, the connection between the two charts is not clearly established. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'in contrast', 'furthermore', 'consequently') and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic phrasing such as 'largest pupils' and 'popular choice'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as '18% community halls place for organising' and 'numbers of pupils attended types of dance classes', which sound unnatural. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'the majority of', 'a significant proportion', or 'the most prevalent'. Avoid repeating the same sentence structures when describing percentages or numbers.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Specifically, there are issues with verb tense and subject-verb agreement, such as 'students... were went to ballet classes' and '18% community halls place'. The use of passive voice is attempted but often results in awkward phrasing. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly the correct use of past tense verbs and prepositional phrases, before attempting more complex structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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