Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-30
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 comparison between the number of visitors visiting first time and returning visitors who visited Caryl Island from 2000 to 2008.
Overall, first time visitors were dominating at the beginning of the period which was eventually surpassed by returning visitors.
Furthermore both the first time as well as returning visitors witnessed an increase over the period.
A detailed analysis of the line graph reveals that first time visitors dropped considerably from 8000 visitors to 4000 visitors during 2000 to 2002, before rebounding to its initial visitors in 2005. Then this figure, increase significantly to 12000 visitors in 2008.
On the other hand, the number returning visitors skyrocketed from 3000 visitors to 10000 visitors during 2000 to 2002. Then it witnessed a slight increase to 12000 visitors in 2004, Before this figure dropped back to 13000 visitors in 2008 it observed a moderate incline to 15000 visitors in 2006
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| 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 key turning points and the overall growth. However, the data reporting is inconsistent and contains significant inaccuracies. For example, you state that first-time visitors dropped to 4000 in 2002, but the graph shows a different trend, and your description of the returning visitors' figures in the final paragraph is confusing and mathematically contradictory (e.g., 'dropped back to 13000... observed a moderate incline to 15000'). To reach a higher band, ensure that the data points cited are accurate and clearly presented to support your summary.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Furthermore', and 'On the other hand' to guide the reader. However, the cohesion within the final paragraph is weak due to the confusing sequence of events and the abrupt transition between figures. The sentence structure in the final paragraph is disjointed, which hinders the flow of information. Improving the logical connection between sentences and ensuring that time markers are used consistently would enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'skyrocketed', 'rebounding', and 'moderate incline' to describe trends. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'first time visitors were dominating' (should be 'the number of first-time visitors was highest') and 'initial visitors' (which is slightly imprecise). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. Focusing on more accurate collocations for describing graphs will help improve your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'the number returning visitors' (missing 'of'), 'this figure, increase significantly' (incorrect verb form), and punctuation issues like the missing period before 'Before this figure dropped'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to affect the overall clarity of your report. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and ensure that your sentences are correctly punctuated, especially when using complex structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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