Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-02
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 depicts the number of people who visited Caryl Island over an 8 ear period from 2000, with data given in two yearly increments.
In 2000, the number of people who visited the destination for the first time was approximately 8000 per annum, compared with only about 3000 returning visitors. However, by 2002, the trend has reversed. With slightly more than 4000 new visitors, compared with 10000 returning visitors.
From 2002 to 2006, both first time visitor and returning visitor numbers increased dramatically rising to the combined total of well over 24000 visitors.
While the combined number of people visiting Caryl Island remained high in 2008, the variation between first time and returning visitors narrowed the number as the number of peopl on the first visit continued to increase while those coming back for additional visits fell.
In total, it is evident that the number of people who visit Caryl island increased significantly over the period given.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the initial figures and the overall trends. However, the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. For instance, the statement that the trend reversed by 2002 is accurate, but the description of the period from 2002 to 2006 is vague, as it groups the two categories into a combined total rather than comparing their individual trajectories. Furthermore, the final paragraph lacks specific data points to support the claim of a significant increase. To improve, ensure that key data points are consistently provided for both categories throughout the period to allow for more precise comparisons.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the data. Cohesive devices such as 'However', 'From 2002 to 2006', and 'In total' are used to link ideas. However, there are some issues with sentence structure that affect flow, particularly in the second paragraph where a sentence fragment ('With slightly more than 4000 new visitors, compared with 10000 returning visitors.') disrupts the cohesion. Improving the connection between these clauses would enhance the overall readability and logical flow of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'per annum', 'dramatically', and 'variation' used correctly. However, there are some spelling errors, such as 'ear' instead of 'year' and 'peopl' instead of 'people'. Additionally, the phrasing 'narrowed the number as the number of peopl on the first visit' is slightly awkward and repetitive. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more precise collocations and ensure careful proofreading to eliminate minor slips that detract from the professional tone of the report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. The second paragraph contains a sentence fragment, and there are tense inconsistencies, such as 'the trend has reversed' when referring to past data. Additionally, there is a missing verb in the phrase 'narrowed the number as the number of peopl... continued to increase'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and sentence completeness will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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