Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the number of first-time and returning visitors to Caryl Island between 2000 and 2008.

Overall, the number of first-time visitors fluctuated initially but then increased steadily, whereas the figure for returning visitors rose sharply before reaching a peak and declining slightly towards the end of the period. Notably, returning visitors outnumbered first-time visitors from 2002 onwards.

In 2000, approximately 8,000 people visited Caryl Island for the first time, compared with only 3,000 returning visitors. Over the next two years, the number of first-time visitors fell considerably to 4,000, while the figure for returning visitors more than tripled, reaching 10,000. From 2002 to 2004, first-time visitors increased moderately to 6,000, whereas returning visitors continued to rise to around 12,000.

Between 2004 and 2006, both categories experienced substantial growth. The number of first-time visitors climbed from 6,000 to approximately 9,000, while returning visitors rose to a peak of 15,000. In the final two years, the number of first-time visitors continued its upward trend, reaching about 12,000 in 2008. In contrast, returning visitors declined slightly from 15,000 to around 13,500.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and successfully identified the key turning point where returning visitors began to outnumber first-time visitors. The data is accurately selected and reported, with specific figures used to support the descriptions of the trends. The comparison between the two categories is consistent throughout the report, demonstrating a strong ability to highlight significant features of the graph. The structure is logical, moving from a general summary to a detailed chronological breakdown, which fully satisfies the requirements for an Academic Task 1 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by two body paragraphs that group the data logically. Cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'notably', 'in contrast', and 'while' are used effectively to link ideas and contrast the two visitor categories. The referencing is clear, and the flow between sentences is smooth, ensuring the reader can easily follow the comparison of data points across the years. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends and data points with precision. Phrases such as 'fluctuated initially', 'increased steadily', 'rose sharply', and 'upward trend' are well-chosen and appropriate for this task. The vocabulary is used accurately, and there is a good level of flexibility in how you describe the changes in the graph. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'number' or 'figure' could elevate the response further, but the current range is more than adequate for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses starting with 'whereas' and 'while', which are handled accurately. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and list data. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few structures used are consistently accurate. There is a good balance between simple and complex forms, and the tense usage is appropriate for describing past data. The writing is clear, professional, and free of any significant grammatical slips.

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.