Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-07

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 6.0)

The chart compares the number of visitors and returning visitors who visited Caryl island over a period of 2000 to 2008. It can be pictured that the number of tourists visiting for the first time decreased before reaching the peak. While, returning visitors kept increasing over the years, and dropped after 2006.

In 2000, first time visitors started at 8000 visitors and by 2002, it dropped nearly 50% to 4000 visitors. The number of visitors gradually increased, from 4000 to 12000 visitors over the period of 6 years.

In contrast to first time visitors, rise in number of returning visitors is quite noticeable, starting from just over 2000 visitors in 2000, the number of visitors significantly increased, and to 10000 people visiting in 2002 and kept increasing till 2004. The number of tourists peaked in 2006 reaching almost 16000. However, it did not stayed stable and faced a fall in 2008, reaching just under 14000.

Overall, the number of returning individuals dominated the data. While, first time visitors kept increasing after one decline.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the trends for both visitor categories. You have successfully highlighted the peak and the general direction of the data. However, the overview is slightly weak; while you mention the trends, it could be more analytical by explicitly stating the overall dominance of returning visitors throughout the period. Some data points are slightly inaccurate or confusingly phrased, such as the claim that first-time visitors dropped by 50% to 4000 from 8000 (which is correct), but the subsequent description of the trend is a bit vague. To improve, ensure that the key features are clearly contrasted in the introduction or summary paragraph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a summary. You use some cohesive devices like 'In contrast to' and 'However' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by slightly awkward phrasing, such as 'It can be pictured that' and the repetitive use of 'the number of visitors'. The transition between the description of the two groups could be smoother. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'it', 'this') is precise to avoid ambiguity.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'peaked', 'gradually increased', and 'dominated'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'It can be pictured that' (which is not standard academic English) and 'did not stayed stable' (grammatical error affecting lexical precision). To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' (e.g., 'fluctuated', 'surged', 'plummeted') and ensure that your word choices are contextually appropriate for a formal report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that hinder the fluency of the text, such as 'did not stayed stable' (should be 'did not remain stable') and 'rise in number of returning visitors is quite noticeable' (missing article 'a'). Additionally, the sentence 'While, returning visitors kept increasing...' is a fragment when starting with 'While'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles.

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

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