Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-10-01

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 number of first time visitors and returning visitors who visited Caryl Island from 2000 to 2008.

Overall, it is clear that the number of first-time visitors fluctuated considerably, while returning visitors showed a strong upward trend until 2006 before declining slightly. An increase is seen for first time visitors and returning visitors over the period.

To begin with, in 2000, 8000 first time visitors travelled to Caryl Island. However, the figure dropped to 4000 visitors in 2002 before rising to 6000 visitors in 2004. The upward trend continued and the number of visitors increased to 10000 visitors in 2006 and reached to 12000 in 2008.

Drawing attention to the rest of the data, initially there were only 3000 returning visitors to Caryl Island in 2000. In 2002, the figure increased drastically to 10000 visitors. Similarly, the number of returing visitors rose to 12000 visitors and peaked at 15000 in 2006 before dropping just below 14000 visitors in 2008.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of both visitor categories on Caryl Island between 2000 and 2008. There is a clear overview that outlines the overall trends, noting the fluctuations in first-time visitors and the strong growth of returning visitors. Most key data points are reported accurately, such as the starting and ending figures, as well as the peak in 2006. However, there is a slight mechanical listing of data in places, particularly in the body paragraphs, which prevents the response from moving into fully well-developed comparisons. The progression of ideas is logical, but extending the comparisons between the two categories would elevate the task achievement further.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear structure that includes an introduction, an overview, and two distinct body paragraphs. Information is logically sequenced following the timeline and categories in the graph. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'However', and 'Drawing attention to the rest of the data' are used to guide the reader through the text, though some transitions feel slightly mechanical or formulaic. Paragraphing is handled appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose. To achieve a higher level, the writer needs to integrate referencing and cohesive links more smoothly without relying on heavy transitional phrases.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms like 'fluctuated', 'upward trend', 'dropped', 'drastically', and 'peaked'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, though this occasionally results in minor inaccuracies, such as the spelling error 'returing' instead of 'returning'. Word choice is generally appropriate and communicates the intended meaning clearly, even if some phrases are slightly repetitive. To reach the next band, the writer should incorporate a wider variety of precise lexical items and collocation combinations, while avoiding minor spelling slips.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing structures like subordinate clauses and past tense narrative patterns effectively (e.g., 'while returning visitors showed a strong upward trend until 2006 before declining slightly'). There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, such as missing hyphens in compound modifiers like 'first-time visitors' in places, but these errors rarely impede communication and do not obscure the meaning. The majority of the simple sentences are error-free, and control over past tense verbs is generally good. To attain a higher band, the writer needs to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures with higher accuracy.

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

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