Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-01

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 7.5)

The provided line graph compares the number of first-time and returning visitors to Caryl Island from 2000 to 2008.

Overall, returning visitors experienced a significant overall increase despite a minor drop in the final years, while first-time visitors recovered from an initial decline to growth. Notably, returning visitors overtook first-time visitors early in the period and remained the predominant category throughout.

In 2000, first-time visitors outnumbered returning visitors, standing at 8,000 compared to 3,000. However, the figures intersected shortly after, with returning visitor numbers surging to 10,000 in 2002. This upward trajectory continued steadily until reaching a peak of approximately 15,000 in 2006, before dipping slightly to roughly 13,500 by 2008.

In contrast, first-time arrivals dropped sharply to a low of 4,000 in 2002. Thereafter, the trend reversed, showing consistent growth over the remaining six years to reach 6,000 in 2004, nearly 9,500 in 2006, and finishing at around 12,000 in 2008.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have provided a clear and accurate summary of the main trends in the graph. You successfully identified the key features, such as the crossover point in 2002 and the contrasting trajectories of the two visitor types. The overview is well-crafted, highlighting the significant growth of returning visitors and the recovery of first-time visitors. You have made relevant comparisons throughout, such as noting that returning visitors remained the predominant category after 2002. The data is accurately reported, and all parts of the prompt are addressed effectively. This is a strong, focused response that meets all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organised, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that group information by visitor category. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. You have used a good range of cohesive devices, such as 'notably', 'however', 'in contrast', and 'thereafter', which help to link sentences and ideas effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive referencing. The structure supports the reader's understanding of the data throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data description task. Phrases such as 'upward trajectory', 'predominant category', and 'intersected' show a level of precision and sophistication. The word choices are accurate and contribute to a formal, academic tone. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, it could be further enhanced by incorporating a few more varied collocations or less common synonyms to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('standing at 8,000 compared to 3,000') and subordinate clauses ('while first-time visitors recovered...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate throughout. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the complexity of the sentence structures demonstrates a strong command of English grammar. The response is fluent and demonstrates the flexibility required for a high band score.

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

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