Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-03
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The line graph shows the number of first time visitors and returning visitors who visited Caryl Island from 2000 to 2008.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The line graph shows the number of first time visitors and returning visitors who visited Caryl Island from 2000 to 2008.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The line graph illustrates the number of first time visitors and returning visitors who visited Caryl Island from 2000 to 2008.
Overall, returning visitors were generally higher than first time visitors during most of the period, except in the start in 2000 when first time visitors exceeded returning visitors. Both figures fluctuated, but first time visitors showed a particularly sharp drop in 2002.
In 2000, approximately 8000 people visited Caryl Island while around only 3000 people were returning visitors, making it the year with the most first time visitors. The year 2002 saw a sharp decline in first time visitors to about 4,000, while returning visitors rose significantly up to 10,000.
From 2002 to 2006, both trends rose gradually, with returning visitors peaking at just over 15000 in 2006 and first time visitors reaching 10,000.
The most dramatic change occurred in returning visitors in 2015, when it sharply declined to just more than 13,000 in 2008, while openings marginally increased to 12,000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| 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 the graph, including the initial crossover and the general trends. However, there is a significant factual error in the final paragraph: you mention 2015, which is outside the data range (2000–2008). Additionally, the term 'openings' is used to refer to first-time visitors, which is confusing and inaccurate. While the overview is clear, the inclusion of data outside the provided timeframe and the mislabeling of categories prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure all data points are strictly within the provided years and use precise terminology.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate different time periods. Cohesive devices such as 'In 2000', 'From 2002 to 2006', and 'The most dramatic change' help guide the reader through the data. However, the transition between the final paragraph and the rest of the text is slightly weakened by the factual error regarding the year 2015. Overall, the flow is logical and the progression of ideas is easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'sharp decline', and 'peaking'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice. Using 'openings' to describe visitors is incorrect and impacts the clarity of the report. Additionally, 'at the start in 2000' is slightly awkward phrasing. While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, the misuse of terms in the final paragraph limits the precision of your writing. Focus on using subject-specific terminology accurately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several error-free sentences, such as 'Both figures fluctuated, but first time visitors showed a particularly sharp drop in 2002.' However, there are minor grammatical slips, such as 'returning visitors were generally higher than first time visitors' (which compares people to visitors rather than numbers of visitors). Punctuation is generally accurate, and the errors present do not impede communication. To reach a higher band, aim for more varied complex structures and ensure consistent subject-verb agreement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.