Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-03

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.

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 information about the number of first time visitors and returning visitors who visited Caryl Island from 2000 to 2008 is demonstrated by a polyline graph.

Overall, it is crystal clear that the highest number of visitors about Retuning visitors in 2008. However, the least was regarding Returning visitors in 2000.

To begin with, the highest count of visitors about Returning visitors in 2008 was 15000. Whereas, 2500 number of visitors related to Returning visitors in 2000, which could be considered as the lowest figure. In addition, the similar number of visitors regarding First time visitors and Returning visitors was 6000. Surprisingly, 13000 number of visitors about Returning visitors in 2008, which was 1000 more than the First time visitors in 2008.

Moving towards the rest of the information, the number of visitors related to First time visitors in 2002 was 4000. Eventually, the count of visitors regarding First time visitors in 2004 and 2006 were 6000, 8000 and 10000, respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the trends for first-time and returning visitors. However, the reporting of data is inconsistent and at times confusing. For instance, the statement 'the highest number of visitors about Retuning visitors in 2008' is grammatically awkward and lacks clarity. Furthermore, the final paragraph lists figures for 2004 and 2006 without clearly distinguishing between the two categories, making the data difficult to follow. To improve, ensure that comparisons are made more precisely and that the data points are clearly attributed to the correct category and year.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by repetitive and awkward phrasing. The use of cohesive devices like 'To begin with' and 'Moving towards' is somewhat mechanical and does not always lead to a smooth progression of ideas. Referencing is often unclear, particularly when discussing the visitor numbers, which makes the reader work harder to understand the relationship between the data points. Improving the use of transition signals and ensuring that each sentence builds logically on the previous one would significantly enhance the coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'number of visitors about' and 'related to' are used excessively and incorrectly in terms of collocation. There is little evidence of less common lexical items or precise terminology suitable for describing trends in a graph. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a wider variety of verbs and nouns to describe changes, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable', or 'experienced a steady increase', rather than relying on basic structures.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. While there are attempts at complex sentences, they are often marred by grammatical errors, such as 'the count of visitors regarding First time visitors in 2004 and 2006 were 6000, 8000 and 10000, respectively' (which lists three figures for two years). There are frequent errors in preposition usage and sentence construction, which occasionally impede the clarity of the information. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions will help improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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