Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-22

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 presents data about first time and returning tourists over a eight year period of Caryl Island from 2000 to 2008.

Overall, returning visitors observe substantial decline with a downward trend in last two years from whereas first time visitors depict a decline initially with an upward trend afterwards in six years of Caryl Island.

A decrease in the number of total returning visitors in Caryl ISland is observed from 2000 to 2006 reaching 15,000 returning visitors, the highest of all time. In the last two years from 2006 to 2008 a downward trend occurs at 13500 total returning tourist in Caryl island.

First time visitors decline initially from 2000 to 2002 reaching 4000 count in Caryl Island, the lowest in eight years but afterwards substantial growth is observed in later six year period reaching 11900 first time tourist in 2008, highest number in eight years of Caryl Island.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the trends for both visitor types. However, there are significant inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, you state that returning visitors reached 15,000 in 2006, whereas the graph shows this peak occurred in 2004. Furthermore, the description of the trends is somewhat confusing; you mention a decline in the last two years for returning visitors, but the data shows a fluctuation. While you identify the key trends, the lack of precision in data interpretation prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure that you carefully cross-reference your written figures with the visual data provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. There is a clear progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'in Caryl Island' at the end of sentences, which feels redundant. The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. While the structure is generally sound, the lack of varied linking words and the repetitive phrasing limit the flow of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but it lacks variety and precision. You rely on basic descriptors like 'decline', 'upward trend', and 'growth'. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'observe substantial decline' and 'reaching 4000 count'. Using more sophisticated synonyms and varied reporting verbs would enhance the quality of your writing. Additionally, ensure consistent terminology; you switch between 'tourists' and 'visitors' without a clear stylistic purpose. Expanding your range of academic vocabulary will help you achieve a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are several grammatical errors that affect clarity. For example, 'over a eight year period' should be 'an eight-year period', and 'in last two years from whereas' is syntactically incorrect. There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases, such as 'in six years of Caryl Island'. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors indicates a lack of control over complex structures, which keeps the score in the mid-range.

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

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