Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-10-12

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 line graph illustrates the number of first time visitors and returning visitors who visited Caryl Island in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008.

Overall, Caryl Island recorded steady growth in the number of first time visitors from 2002 onwards after experiencing a decline between 2000 and 2002. On the other side, the number of returning visitors grew throughout the time period followed by a small decline in numbers between 2006 and 2008.

The number of first time visitors were 8,000 in 2000 but then it decreased to 4,000 in 2002. In 2004, 6,000 visitors visited Caryl Island for the first time and then it gradually increased to around 9,000 in 2006 and 12,000 in 2008.

Apart from that, the number of returning visitors were only 3,000 in 2000 but then sharply increased to 10,000 in 2002. In 2004, the recorded number was 12,000 followed by its peak number in 2006 that is around 15,000. Lastly in 2008, returning visitors decreased slightly and reach the number 13,500.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You cover the main movements and provide a clear overview: first-time visits fall before rising, while returning visits rise to a peak and then decline. The figures are generally accurate, including the 2006 peak for returning visitors and the final values. This meets the task well, with some of the detail and comparison already showing the precision expected at a higher level. However, the overview could identify the key contrast more explicitly: returning visitors outnumber first-time visitors from 2002 onward, while first-time visitors finish at their highest point. Some comparisons are also left implicit, and the account mainly lists values rather than explaining how the two series relate. State the units as visitors and highlight the crossover or changing gap to develop the report further.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is arranged in a clear sequence: an introduction, an overview, and separate paragraphs for each visitor group. This makes the trends easy to follow, and time markers such as “In 2004” and “Lastly in 2008” help guide the reader. Cohesion is sometimes mechanical, however, particularly through repeated openings such as “The number of…” and “In 2004.” “On the other side” and “Apart from that” do not express the relationships between the trends as precisely as they could. Improve progression by grouping related comparisons across both lines—for example, noting that returning visitors overtook first-time visitors in 2002—and vary the linking language. This would make the report feel more integrated rather than like two successive lists.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of task-relevant vocabulary, including “decline,” “sharply increased,” “gradually increased,” and “peak,” so the main trends are communicated clearly. There is some variation in how changes are described, but several phrases are repetitive or imprecise. “The number of … visitors were” is also an awkward word choice and collocation; “the figure for … visitors was” would be more natural. “On the other side” is not the usual expression for contrasting trends, and “reach the number” is an unnatural way to report a final figure. Aim for more precise chart language, such as “rose to,” “stood at,” and “fell slightly,” while avoiding repeated use of “number.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and more complex sentence forms, including the overview sentence with “after experiencing a decline” and the contrast introduced by “but then.” Most meanings remain clear, and the time references are generally controlled. Some grammatical errors persist, especially subject–verb agreement: “The number of first time visitors were” and “the number of returning visitors were” should use “was,” because the subject is “number.” In the final sentence, “returning visitors decreased slightly and reach” shifts incorrectly from past tense to present; use “reached.” There are also opportunities to control sentence structure more precisely when reporting sequences. Check agreement and maintain past tense throughout, while retaining the complex structures you already attempt.

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