Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-10
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 numbers of fresh visitors and returning visitors who toured Caryl Island between 2000 and 2008.
Overall, it is evident that repeated guests were recorded the highest figures, whereas new visitors had lowest at the start and surged up considerably over a period of time.
Regarding returning visitors accounted for an upwards trend consistently from start in 2000, standing at 3000, and slightly fluctuated in 2002, stand at 10,000, while recorded all time peak at 14,500 in 2006. In addition, it fell down to lower in 2008, standing at 13,500.
In contrast, newcomers were stood at 8,000 in 2000 and dropped significantly with almost half of the original numbers, standing at 4,000 in 2002. After this downfall, the numbers were considerably increased in and remained constant at the end of 2008, standing at 12,000. However, first time visitors remained under the returning visitors over the eight year period.
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 the graph, including the overall trends and key data points for both visitor types. The overview is clear, and the comparison between the two groups is maintained throughout. However, there are some inaccuracies in the data reporting; for instance, the text states returning visitors were at 3,000 in 2000, whereas the graph shows a different starting point. Additionally, the description of the trends is sometimes slightly imprecise. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are read accurately from the graph and that the summary highlights the most significant differences or similarities more effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Regarding', 'In addition', and 'In contrast' are used to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures, such as the frequent use of 'standing at'. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the mechanical nature of some transitions prevents a higher score. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, using terms like 'surged', 'fluctuated', and 'downfall'. However, there are some word choice errors and unnatural collocations, such as 'fresh visitors' (instead of 'first-time visitors') and 'recorded the highest figures' (which is grammatically awkward). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, and the repetition of 'standing at' indicates a lack of flexibility in reporting data. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and varying the verbs used to describe trends, such as 'witnessed', 'experienced', or 'reached a plateau'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'Regarding returning visitors accounted for', 'newcomers were stood at', and 'numbers were considerably increased in'. These errors, while not always impeding communication, are frequent enough to affect the overall clarity. The use of passive voice and verb tenses is often inconsistent or incorrect. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive constructions when describing data trends. Reducing the reliance on 'were' as an auxiliary verb in incorrect contexts will significantly improve accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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