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-year 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 had 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 people 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 mentions a combined total without clearly distinguishing the individual trajectories of the two visitor types. Furthermore, the final paragraph lacks precision regarding the 2008 data. To improve, ensure that all key data points are clearly identified and compared throughout the entire period, rather than grouping them into broad, less informative summaries.
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 'In 2000', 'However', and 'From 2002 to 2006' are used to link ideas. However, there is a lack of variety in these devices, and some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The sentence structure in the second paragraph is fragmented, as the second sentence is a dependent clause that lacks a main verb, which disrupts the flow of information. Improving the use of referencing and ensuring each sentence is complete would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with terms like 'per annum', 'dramatically', and 'variation' demonstrating a reasonable range. However, the lexical choices are somewhat repetitive, and there is a lack of more sophisticated or precise vocabulary that would elevate the response. For example, 'number of people' is used frequently. Using more varied synonyms or collocations related to data trends (e.g., 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'declined') would demonstrate a higher level of lexical control. The spelling is accurate throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are noticeable grammatical errors. Specifically, the sentence 'With slightly more than 4000 new visitors, compared with 10000 returning visitors' is a sentence fragment. Additionally, there is a slight awkwardness in the phrasing 'narrowed the number as the number of people...'. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they indicate a lack of full control over complex structures. Increasing the variety of error-free complex sentences would improve the score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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