Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 illustrates the number of tourists who visited Caryl Island for the first time or often from 2000 to 2008.

Overall, returning visitors rose instantly, but after a year they rose slowly, and after a few years they gradually went down, while initially the axes of first-time visitors went downwards, then after a couple of years it elevates till the end.

Firstly, the number of returning vacationers was 3000, and after two years it climbed to 10,000 and rose at the rate of 2000 until the year 2006, and then it descended. On the opposite side, the number of first-time foreigners fell from the year 2000 to 2002 at the rate of 4000, and after that it rose by 2000, and after the year 2004 it soared at a constant speed and ascended to 12000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main trends, the analysis is somewhat superficial. You have attempted to summarize the data, but the lack of sufficient length means that the comparison of features is not fully developed. To improve, ensure you provide a more detailed breakdown of the data points and ensure the response meets the length requirement to allow for a comprehensive overview of the trends. The overview provided is clear, but the supporting details need more depth to reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into an introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices like 'Firstly' and 'On the opposite side' is functional but basic. The paragraphing is logical, but the transition between the overview and the specific data points could be smoother. To improve, try to use a wider range of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus. The current structure is sufficient for a basic level of coherence, but it lacks the sophisticated flow required for higher bands.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used some relevant vocabulary such as 'illustrates', 'vacationers', and 'descended'. However, there is a reliance on repetitive phrasing and some word choices are slightly unnatural, such as 'rose instantly' or 'axes of first-time visitors'. The vocabulary is adequate to convey the main points but lacks the precision and variety needed for a higher score. To improve, focus on using more varied verbs to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'plateaued', or 'remained stable', and ensure that your collocations are accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'the axes of first-time visitors went downwards' and 'it elevates till the end', which show issues with tense consistency and word choice. While the meaning is generally clear, these errors occur frequently enough to cause some distraction. To improve, focus on maintaining consistent verb tenses when describing past data and practice using complex structures more accurately. Proofreading for subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage will also help raise your score.

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

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