Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-04

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 6.0)

The line graph compares the number of first-time visitors and returning visitors who visited Caryl Island from 2000 to 2008.

Overall, the number of returning visitors rose significantly and remained higher than first time visitors after 2002. In contrast, first-time visitors fell initially but then recovered steadily until the end of the year.

In 2000, there were about 8000 first-time visitors, while only 3000 returning visitors visited the island. However, by 2002 the number of

first-time visitors had declined around 4000. During the same year, returning visitors rose dramatically to approximately 10000, becoming the larger group.

From 2002 to 2006, both figures increased, although the rise in returning visitors was much faster. The number of returning visitors climbed from 10,000 to peak about 14,500 in 2006. Meanwhile, first-time visitors rose gradually from 4000 to around 9000.

In the final two years, the trends were different. Returning visitors fell slightly to about 12000 in 2008. Whereas first time visitors continued to rise and reached approximately 11000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main trends and making relevant comparisons. You successfully highlighted the key shift in 2002, where returning visitors overtook first-time visitors, and noted the contrasting trends in the final years. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the overall patterns. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with complete accuracy; for instance, the phrase 'until the end of the year' is slightly confusing as the graph covers a period of years, not a single year. Overall, the information is well-selected and logically presented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group information effectively by time periods. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'However', 'Meanwhile', and 'Whereas' are used appropriately to signal shifts in the data. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the paragraphing is functional. To improve, ensure that referencing is always precise; for example, 'the trends were different' is a good transition, but ensure the subsequent sentences clearly link back to the specific groups mentioned in the previous paragraph to maintain tight cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'rose significantly', 'declined', 'rose dramatically', and 'climbed' show a good command of descriptive language for trends. There is some awareness of collocation, though the range is somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated or varied vocabulary to describe fluctuations, such as 'fluctuated', 'surpassed', or 'plateaued'. The current vocabulary is accurate and allows for a natural flow of information without any significant errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and the control of grammar is generally strong. There are minor slips, such as 'declined around 4000' (missing 'to') and 'peak about 14,500' (should be 'peaked at'). These are minor and do not impede communication. To reach a higher band, ensure consistent use of prepositions and verb forms when describing data points. The punctuation is generally accurate, and the sentence variety is sufficient for the task requirements.

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

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