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.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The graph illustrates the first time and returning visitors to the Caryl Island between 2000 to 2008.
Overall, the ratio of the returning guests was higher throughout except in the first year, and an increasing pattern was constantly observed for the first time tourists after first year.
In 2000, the number of the first time visitors was 8000 which was more then the twice of the returning visitors that was only 2500. In the starting years, first time visitors graph trajectory experienced downward trend, while in contrast, the the opposite pattern was observed for returning people. Which drastically increase to 10000 in 2000, meanwhile first time visitors reduced to 4000 in that period.
In the following years, the first time visitors trends were seen consistently increasing till the end until 2008. The number of the returning visors was highest in 2006, which was just below 16000. However, the number of returning people dropped eventually from 2006 to onwards, and kept on decreasing till the end.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| 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 trends for both visitor types. You successfully identified the key turning points and made relevant comparisons between the two categories. However, there is a significant factual error in the third paragraph: you state that returning visitors reached 10,000 in 2000, whereas the graph shows this figure for a later year. Additionally, the description of the initial year is slightly confusing. To improve, ensure that data points are transcribed accurately from the graph to the text, as precision is essential for Task 1. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the main trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices such as 'In 2000', 'In the following years', and 'However' to guide the reader. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and minor errors in referencing. For example, the transition between the first and second body paragraphs could be smoother. The use of cohesive devices is generally functional but lacks the flexibility required for a higher band. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus to improve the overall progression of ideas.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'trajectory', 'downward trend', and 'consistently increasing'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'ratio of the returning guests' (where 'number' or 'proportion' would be more accurate) and 'visors' (a spelling error for 'visitors'). There is also a repetitive use of 'first time visitors' and 'returning visitors'. To reach a higher band, try to use more varied synonyms and ensure that collocations are natural and precise.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt to use complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'more then the twice of the returning visitors' and 'the the opposite pattern'. There are also issues with article usage and prepositions (e.g., 'from 2006 to onwards'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct article usage will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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