Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-15
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 over a eight year period from 2000 to 2008.
Overall, the number of first time visitors had increased gradually during the period while, the number of returning visitors reached the highest number during the period.
The number of first visitors started at about 8000 in 2000 declined gradually at almost 4000 in 2002, showing a continuous upwards trend. As a result, rose at approximately 6000 in 2004 and at just below 12000 in 2008. The number of returning visitors began at around 3000 in 2000. It then rose dramatically to 10000 in 2002 furthermore increasing to just under 12000 in 2004, 14000 in 2006. However its rose to 15000 before decreasing to just over 13500 in 2008.
The number of returning visitors reached the highest number throughout the period while, the number of first time visitors reached the second highest number.
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 trends for both visitor types. You successfully identified the overall growth in first-time visitors and the peak and subsequent decline in returning visitors. However, the summary is slightly marred by contradictory statements; for instance, you describe the first-time visitors as having a 'continuous upwards trend' immediately after noting a decline from 8000 to 4000. Additionally, the final paragraph is somewhat repetitive, as it restates information already provided in the overview. To improve, ensure your data descriptions are logically consistent and avoid redundant concluding sentences that do not add new analytical value.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'As a result', and 'However'. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by mechanical or awkward transitions. For example, the phrase 'As a result, rose at approximately 6000' is grammatically incomplete and lacks a clear subject, which disrupts the logical progression. Furthermore, the use of 'furthermore' in the second paragraph feels slightly forced. While the paragraphing is appropriate, the internal cohesion within the sentences needs to be smoother to ensure the reader can follow the data trends without effort.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'gradually', 'dramatically', and 'upwards trend' to describe the data. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'its rose' instead of 'it rose' and 'reached the highest number' (which is slightly repetitive). The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, but it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. To improve, try to vary your verbs and adverbs to describe trends more precisely and avoid repeating the same phrases throughout the report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the clarity of the information. For instance, 'The number of first visitors started at about 8000 in 2000 declined gradually' is a run-on sentence missing a conjunction or punctuation. Additionally, there are errors in subject-verb agreement and tense usage, such as 'its rose' and 'rose at approximately 6000'. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic sentence construction and punctuation prevent the response from reaching a higher band score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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