Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-21

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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates the figures of first time visitors and returning visitors who visited Caryl Island between 2000 and 2008.

Overall, it is evident that the returning visitors showed an upward trend initially but fell slightly in the later period of time, whereas the first time visitors experienced a sharp decline in the early years, after it increased consistently for the rest of the year.

At the outset, the first time visitors and returning visitors stood at 8000 and 3000, respectively. The first visitors then fell sharply to half of the number, by reaching 4000, while the returning visitors rose dramatically to 10000, by 2002. Furthermore, the figures for the first time visitors started climbing up from 2002, reaching 6000 in the next two years. Meanwhile, the numbers for returning visitors continued to increased surged at 12000, in 2004.

In 2006, the returning visitors peaked at 15000, highest among the both, compared with 9000 for the first visitors. The returning visitors started to decrease reaching 11000, whereas the first time visitors rose steadily and constituted almost 12000, until the final year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the prompt by selecting and reporting the main features of the line graph from 2000 to 2008. An overview is provided in the second paragraph, capturing the overall trends of both categories. Key data points, such as the starting figures, fluctuations, and the peak for returning visitors in 2006, are accurately reported and compared. The data cited closely matches the visual reference provided. The only minor flaw is a slight imprecision in reading the final year value for returning visitors, but this does not detract from the overall clarity and accuracy of the report, earning a solid Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. Cohesive devices such as 'At the outset', 'then', 'Furthermore', 'Meanwhile', and 'In 2006' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate distinct periods and trends. However, some minor referencing or linking awkwardness occurs in phrases like 'after it increased consistently', where the antecedent is slightly unclear. Overall, progression is logical and easy to follow, justifying a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for Task 1, including terms like 'upward trend', 'sharp decline', 'fluctuated', 'peaked', and 'constituted'. Less common lexical items are attempted with some success, although there are a few awkward collocations or word choices, such as 'continued to increased surged' and 'highest among the both'. Spelling is accurate throughout. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the trends precisely, fitting the Band 6.0 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and introductory phrases effectively (e.g., 'whereas the first time visitors experienced...'). There are some noticeable grammatical errors, notably 'continued to increased surged', which contains tense and verb-form confusion, and minor preposition issues like 'reaching to' or missing articles. Despite these errors, meaning is rarely impeded, and a good variety of structures is attempted, placing this safely in the Band 6.0 category.

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

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