Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-10-21

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 5.5)

The given line graph depicts the number of first time and returning travellers who visited Caryl Island between 2000 and 2008.

Between the years of 2000 and 2004, The number of first time visitors declined immensely, later showing a recovering trend. Inversely, The number of returning visitors showed a positive slope and overtook the number of first time visitors by a large amount.

Regarding the years from 2004 to 2008, Number of returning visitors reported a negative slope.The number of first time visitors recovered immensely, however still remained fewer than the number of returning visitors.

By the year of 2008, The number of returning travellers consistently declined while the number of first time visitors continued to rise significantly.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the two visitor groups and describe the broad direction of change, including the sharp rise in returning visitors to a peak around 2006 and the recovery in first-time visitors after 2002. However, the response only partially reports the graph: it gives no figures and does not clearly state the overall comparison at the beginning or the key turning points. The claim that returning visitors “consistently declined” by 2008 is inaccurate, since they rose from 2000 through 2006 before falling. The response also contains 118 words, below the required 150, leaving important features under-developed. To strengthen the report, include an overview and support the main trends with approximate values and accurate comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable sequence: it introduces the graph, discusses 2000–2004, then 2004–2008, and ends with a statement about 2008. This gives the reader a coherent overall arrangement. Linking expressions such as “Inversely,” “Regarding,” and “however” also show an attempt to connect contrasting trends. However, the progression is weakened by repetition: the final sentence repeats the decline and rise already mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Some links are also not fully logical, particularly “By the year of 2008,” which introduces trends across the period rather than a single-year comparison. Organise the report around an overview followed by two clear trend paragraphs, and use linking phrases only where they clarify the relationship between data.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a reasonable range of trend vocabulary, including “declined,” “positive slope,” “overtook,” “recovered,” and “remained fewer.” These choices make the general direction of change understandable and show some willingness to use less common language. However, several expressions are imprecise or unnatural for describing a graph: “declined immensely,” “showed a positive slope,” and “reported a negative slope” are less suitable than standard trend collocations. “Travellers” also varies from the graph’s label, “visitors,” without adding meaning. Aim for precise, conventional wording such as “fell sharply,” “rose steadily,” and “reached a peak.” This would make the account more natural and accurate while retaining the range you already demonstrate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of sentence forms, including a contrastive sentence with “however” and a time clause beginning “Between the years of 2000 and 2004.” Most of the meaning remains clear, and the response shows some control of past-tense reporting. There are, however, several errors in sentence boundaries and punctuation: “negative slope.The number” needs a space and clearer separation, while “however still remained” requires punctuation around the linking adverb. Capitalisation is also inconsistent, as “The” and “Number” are capitalised after commas or within sentences. Some constructions are awkward, such as “By the year of 2008” and “Between the years of.” Use consistent sentence case, check punctuation around contrast markers, and practise varied but controlled sentence structures.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.