Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-17
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 numbers of first-time and returning visitors to Caryl Island between 2000 and 2008.
Overall, the figures of first time visitors showed an upward trend from 2002 to 2008. In contrast, returning visitors fluctuated slightly throughout the period. It is evident that the figures for the two groups changed considerably during the period shown.
Initially, the number of first time visitors decreased significantly from 8000 to 4000. Whereas, the number of returning visitors increased from 2500 to 10000 during the same year.This means that the returning visitors are numerous as compared to first time visitors.
Secondly, after 2002, the number of first time visitors showed a significant increase, rising from 4000 to 12000. while the figure for returning visitors fluctuated between 2002 and 2008.
By the end, it is evident that returning visitors didn't remain stable, but showed minor decline after 2006 from 14500 to
12500.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons between first-time and returning visitors on Caryl Island from 2000 to 2008. You provide an adequate overview at the beginning and capture key data points, such as the drop in first-time visitors from 8000 to 4000 initially, and the peak for returning visitors. However, there are some inaccuracies in reporting the data towards the end, where you mention returning visitors declining from 14500 to 12500, whereas the graph indicates a peak around 15200 falling to 13400. Furthermore, some statements contain slight temporal confusion, such as referring to changes occurring 'during the same year'. Despite these minor data discrepancies, the main trends are adequately identified and supported.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is arranged coherently with a clear overall progression. You attempt to structure the answer logically by introducing the chart in the first paragraph, providing a general overview, and then breaking down the details chronologically using transitional markers such as 'Initially', 'Secondly', and 'By the end'. However, paragraphing is somewhat fragmented, with single-sentence paragraphs disrupting the flow. Cohesive devices are sometimes mechanical or overused, and referencing is occasionally faulty, such as starting a sentence with 'This means that...' without a completely clear antecedent. Overall logical organisation is present, but paragraph structure and cohesion require more finesse for a higher band.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully conveying trends and numbers using words such as 'illustrates', 'upward trend', 'fluctuated', and 'considerably'. You attempt some less common lexical items, but there are instances of imprecise word choice and awkward phrasing, such as 'the figures of first time visitors' instead of 'the number of first-time visitors'. Spelling is generally accurate, but the range of vocabulary remains somewhat standard rather than sophisticated or flexible. To improve, incorporate a wider variety of synonyms to describe fluctuations and trends without relying on repetitive formulations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including comparative forms ('whereas the number of returning visitors increased') and subordinate clauses. There are several grammatical errors and punctuation issues throughout the text, such as missing spaces after periods (e.g., 'same year.This means') and minor issues with sentence boundary punctuation. Complex structures attempted are occasionally faulty or awkward, such as dangling modifiers or incorrect preposition use. Nevertheless, these errors do not impede communication, and the meaning remains clear throughout the response.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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