Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-07-24
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The graph below shows the number of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 8.0)
The graph illustrates the number of foreigns visiting particular Caribbean island over the period from 2010 to 2017.
Overall, the total number of visitors increased substantially over the period, with tourists staying on cruise ships showing the most significant growth, while the number of visitors staying on the island remained relatively stable after 2013.
At the beginning of the period, the island welcomed 1 million tourists in total, comprising approximately 0.7 million visitors staying on the island and 0.3 million staying on cruise ships. The total number then increased steadily, reaching 2 million in 2013 and 2.5 million in 2014.
During the latter half of the period, the overall figure continued to rise despite a brief plateau at around 2.7 million in 2015 and 2016. By the end of the period, the total number of visitors had climbed significantly to 3.5 million.
Regarding accommodation preferences, the number of tourists staying on the island increased from 0.7 million in 2010 to 1.5 million in 2013, after which it remained unchanged until 2015 before declining slightly to 1.25 million in 2016 and recovering to 1.5 million in 2017. In contrast, the number of visitors staying on cruise ships fluctuated during the first three years but then rose sharply from 0.5 million in 2013 to 2 million by 2017, overtaking the number of tourists staying on the island in 2016.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the trends and successfully selected key data points to support your summary. The comparison between cruise ship visitors and island-staying tourists is well-handled, particularly the observation regarding the crossover point in 2016. The data is accurately reported, and the main features are highlighted logically. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with absolute precision; for instance, ensure that the figures cited for 2013 and 2014 align perfectly with the visual data provided in the graph to avoid minor inaccuracies.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overall trend, the total visitor numbers, and the breakdown by accommodation type. You have used a range of cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Regarding', and 'while' effectively to link ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall readability of the report. The flow of information is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text, making the report easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an IELTS Academic Task 1 report. Phrases such as 'remained relatively stable', 'climbed significantly', and 'overtaking the number of' show a good command of descriptive language. There is a minor error in the first sentence where 'foreigns' is used; this should be 'foreign tourists' or 'international visitors'. However, this does not impede communication. The vocabulary is generally precise and fits the context of describing trends and data fluctuations well.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the control of grammar is generally strong. There are occasional minor slips, such as the missing article in 'visiting particular Caribbean island' (should be 'a particular Caribbean island'). Despite these minor issues, the majority of your sentences are accurate, and your use of punctuation is correct. The grammatical control is sufficient to allow for clear and fluent communication throughout the response.
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