Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-11

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 bar graph illustrates area of dance centres, meanwhile bar-graph depicts the information about number of learners in different types of dance classes.

Overall, private studio had the highest figure. However, number of learners who has been belong under 11 had the highest classes in Ballet.

To begin with pie-chart, private studio stood at 48%, that was preferable place. In addition, community halls and others as well as school halls accounted for 18% and 24%, respectively. by 10%, college-based studios had the lowest figure.

Turning to bar-graph, in ballet, below 11 and 11 to 16 age represented around 650 students and 300 learners, respectively, this figure had the highest in under 11 pupils. In the case of tap, both ages groups remained almost same at around 450. Who people preferred modern dance have been situated around 520 learners and 300 students by under 11. while 11-16 ages pupils had the highest figure in modern dance.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the charts, but the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you identify the highest figures, such as the 48% for private studios and the popularity of ballet among younger students, the comparisons are often unclear or inaccurate. For instance, the description of the bar graph is confusing, particularly the sentence regarding 'Who people preferred modern dance'. The overview is present but lacks a clear synthesis of the data. To improve, ensure that you group data logically and provide more precise comparisons between the categories rather than simply listing percentages or numbers. The report would benefit from a more structured approach to highlighting trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'meanwhile bar-graph depicts' and 'by 10%, college-based studios' feel disjointed and do not flow naturally. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track which data point relates to which category. While there is an attempt to use transition signals, they are not always used correctly, which hinders the logical progression of ideas. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words will help the response achieve a higher band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and incorrect word choice, such as 'Who people preferred modern dance' and 'had the highest classes'. The term 'figure' is used repeatedly, which makes the writing feel monotonous. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. To improve, try to use a wider range of synonyms for 'number', 'percentage', and 'increase/decrease', and focus on using collocations correctly to ensure your writing sounds more natural and professional.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'number of learners who has been belong'), article usage, and sentence structure. Many sentences are awkwardly constructed, such as 'that was preferable place' and 'this figure had the highest in under 11 pupils'. While there is an attempt to use complex structures, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and ensuring that your subjects and verbs agree. Proofreading for common errors like missing articles and incorrect prepositions will also significantly enhance the clarity of your writing.

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

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