Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-01
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 and bar graph demonstrate the locations of dance classes and types of dances students take part in based on their age group. We can analyse that 48% of youngsters prefer private studios for dance classes, followed by school halls, with numbers that are just half those of private studios, then community halls and others, with 18% participation, and last but not least college-based studios with 10% active learners. It can be analysed that ballet is easily the most popular among people under 11, around 600, and then tap is slightly less popular than ballet; around 450 people with under 11 age group don't prefer the modern style of dancing, with number showing only 300; however between the age group 11-16, modern is the dance that mostly excites them, with more than 500 participations, followed by tap method with near 400 at last ballet with around 300 lerners, we can see that people under 11 and between 11-16 have just opposite likings in dance styles.
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, identifying the key locations and comparing dance styles across age groups. However, the report lacks a clear overview or summary paragraph, which is essential for a high band score. The data is presented in a somewhat list-like fashion, and while comparisons are made, the analysis could be more sophisticated. For instance, the distinction between the two age groups is noted, but the overall trends could be synthesized more effectively. The response meets the minimum length requirement, but the lack of a distinct introduction and overview limits the score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is written as a single paragraph, which significantly hinders the logical flow and readability. While there is a basic attempt to sequence information, the lack of paragraphing makes it difficult for the reader to distinguish between the two different charts being described. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'followed by' and 'however', but the overall structure is mechanical. To improve, the student should use clear paragraph breaks to separate the description of the pie chart from the bar graph and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'participation', 'active learners', and 'age group' used correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. There are some awkward phrasings, such as 'numbers that are just half those of private studios' and 'people under 11 and between 11-16 have just opposite likings'. The student attempts to describe the data, but the lexical choices lack the precision and variety expected at higher bands. Expanding the range of reporting verbs and comparative structures would enhance the quality of the writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'with number showing only 300' (should be 'with numbers showing') and 'at last ballet with around 300 lerners' (spelling error and missing verb). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly the use of commas to join independent clauses, which creates run-on sentences. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors and the lack of varied, error-free complex structures prevent a higher score. More attention to subject-verb agreement and sentence boundaries is needed.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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