Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-13

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.

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 chart illustrates changes in first time visitors and returning visitors in Caryl Island between 2000 and 2008.

At the begnning of the period in 2000, First time visitors number were 8000 people and for next 2 years it took a declined and it was reached to 4000 people in year 2002. After that every year it took a rise and at the end of tenure in 2008 it reached approx 12000 visitors.

Meanwhile, Returning visitors were around 2500 in the year 2000. Following that it was increased dramatically in 2002 and after that it was slightly liften up in next time period, 12000 visitors in 2004 and approx 14,500 visitors in 2006. Next it took a slight declined in 2008 at the end of the time period around more than 13000 people were returning visitors.

Overall, It is evident that the number of first time visitors fell initially and after that it took a rise till the end of tenure. on the contrary returning visitors was increased every year and at the end of period it was slighly decreased.

AI examiner evaluation

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

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main trends for both visitor categories. You successfully highlighted the initial decline and subsequent rise of first-time visitors, as well as the overall growth of returning visitors. However, the report lacks a clear, analytical comparison between the two groups. For instance, noting that returning visitors overtook first-time visitors at certain points would have strengthened the analysis. The overview is present but could be more concise and integrated. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are cited accurately and that you focus on the most significant features rather than listing every year's data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, body paragraphs for each category, and an overview. The progression of ideas is generally clear. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'After that', 'Following that', 'Next'). Some transitions are slightly awkward, such as 'in next time period'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the flow. Referencing is generally clear, though the structure of the overview could be improved to better synthesise the information rather than just restating the body paragraph points.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to describe trends (e.g., 'declined', 'rise', 'increased dramatically'). However, there are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'it took a declined', 'it was slightly liften up', and 'at the end of tenure'. These errors occasionally distract the reader. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations for describing trends, such as 'experienced a decline' or 'showed a slight increase'. The spelling of 'begnning' is also a minor issue that should be addressed.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('First time visitors number were', 'returning visitors was increased') and incorrect verb forms ('it was reached to', 'it took a slight declined'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. To improve, pay closer attention to verb tenses and passive voice constructions. Ensure that your sentences are grammatically sound by proofreading for basic agreement and tense consistency.

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

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