Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-18

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 given line graph shows the first time visitors and returning visitor who visited Caryl island from 2000 to 2008.

According to the graph, in the year 2000 there had been increased in first time visitors which were around 8000 and returning visitors were only 2500. First time visitors gradually decreased to 4000 in 2002 . On the other hand visitor which returned increased to 10000 in 2002. From the year 2004 to 2006 number of first time visitors numbers increased to 10000 in 2006 from the 6000 in 2004 and returning visitors numbers increased from 12000 in 2004 to over 14000.

Furthermore, in 2008 visitors which travelled first time increased to 12000 numbers and returning visitors decreased to less than 14000.

To conclude, number of returning visitors is quite high in compared to first time visitors for Caryl island in the year from 2000 to 2008. Although, at first it was opposite in compared to 2008 .

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 the main features of the graph, including the trends for both visitor types. However, the reporting of data is inconsistent and contains inaccuracies. For instance, stating that first-time visitors were 'around 8000' in 2000 and then 'gradually decreased to 4000 in 2002' is a clear trend, but the data points are not always precise. The overview provided in the conclusion is somewhat generic and lacks a clear synthesis of the most significant trends. To improve, ensure that data points are accurately transcribed from the graph and that the overview highlights the most striking differences or similarities across the entire period rather than just summarizing the start and end points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally awkward, such as 'Furthermore, in 2008 visitors which travelled first time increased'. The transition between the body paragraphs and the conclusion is functional but lacks sophistication. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when referring back to previous data points. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus that flows logically into the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There is frequent repetition of basic terms like 'visitors', 'increased', and 'numbers'. The phrasing 'visitor which returned' is unnatural and reflects a limited control of collocation. While the meaning is clear, the range of vocabulary is narrow, and there is little attempt to use less common or more academic lexical items to describe trends (e.g., 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable'). Expanding your range of synonyms and focusing on accurate collocations will significantly improve your score in this area.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'there had been increased in first time visitors' (incorrect verb form/article usage) and 'number of returning visitors is quite high in compared to' (preposition error). Subject-verb agreement and article usage are inconsistent throughout the text. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for common errors like articles and prepositions would be beneficial.

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

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