Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-27

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)

This line graph identifies the number of first time visitors and returning visitors that visited Caryl island from 2000 to 2008.

Through out the years returning visitors had the biggest number of visit at Caryl Island apart from the year 2000 where first timers had a greater number.

First time visitors had recorded 8000 persons, who visited Caryl Island in the year 2000, which continued to go low till after 2004 it went high and was below 12000 in the year 2008.

However, for returning visitors, which had a low turn up in the year 2000 at slightly above 2000 and started having very big improvement in the subsequent years which includes 10000 in the year 2002,12000 in the year 2004 and above 14000 in the year 2006 and it went down to small below 14000 in the year 2008.

Also, the both shared a smiler visiting because it goes high and low in different years.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the trends for both visitor types. However, the overview is weak; the final sentence is vague and does not effectively summarise the overall trends. While you mention the starting point and the peak for returning visitors, some data points are described with imprecise language, such as 'small below 14000'. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview highlights the most significant trends (e.g., the steady growth of returning visitors versus the fluctuation of first-time visitors) rather than just listing data points. The comparison between the two groups is present but could be more analytical.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally inaccurate. For example, the phrase 'Also, the both shared a smiler visiting' is confusing and lacks clear logical connection to the preceding paragraphs. Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the transition between sentences feels disjointed. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'in contrast', 'subsequently', 'meanwhile') and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through the data.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic descriptors like 'big improvement', 'go low', and 'went high'. There are also some errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'smiler' instead of 'similar' and 'turn up' used as a noun. To improve, incorporate more academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'gradual increase', and 'significant decline'. Using more precise terminology will help you convey the trends more effectively and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the both shared'), awkward phrasing ('which had a low turn up'), and incorrect preposition usage. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma placement in lists of data. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy and try to vary your sentence structures by using more subordinate clauses correctly.

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

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