Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-07-25
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 line graph illustrates the number of tourists visiting a Caribbean island from 2010 to 2017, categorized into those staying on cruise ships, those staying on the island, and the total number of visitors.
Overall, the total number of tourists showed a steady upward trend throughout the period. In 2010, it started at about 1 million and increased significantly to around 3.5 million by 2017.
The number of visitors staying on the island had a more stable pattern. It began at around 0.75 million in 2010, slowly increased from 2011 to 1.5 million in 2013, and remained at approximately 1.5 million from 2013 to 2015. It slightly dropped to around 1.2 million in 2016 before rebounded to 1.5 million in 2017.
The number of tourists staying on cruise ships had a more erratic growth. Starting at a low of about 0.25 million in 2010, it first rose to around 0.5 million in 2011, dropped back to the 2010 level in 2012, then grew steadily, reaching about 2 million in 2017.
Comparatively, the growth rate of cruise-ship visitors was much more variable compared to those staying on the island, but both contributed to the overall increase in the total number of tourists to the island.
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 clearly identified the main features, such as the overall upward trend and the distinct patterns for cruise ship versus island-staying tourists. The data is accurately reported, and the comparisons between the two categories are well-integrated. The overview is concise and highlights the key trends effectively. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points mentioned are precise; for instance, you could further emphasize the point where the two categories crossed or the specific magnitude of the final figures to provide a more comprehensive analysis.
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 island-staying visitors, the cruise ship visitors, and a concluding comparison. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In 2010', 'Comparatively', and 'before rebounded' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the data. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between the different categories is clearly established throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information with precision. Phrases like 'steady upward trend', 'erratic growth', and 'contributed to the overall increase' are used appropriately. There is a good attempt at using less common vocabulary, such as 'categorized' and 'comparatively'. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'increased' and 'decreased' would elevate the lexical range further. The spelling is accurate throughout.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and the control of grammar is generally strong. There is one minor error in the phrase 'before rebounded', which should be 'before rebounding' to maintain parallel structure. However, this does not impede communication. You have used a variety of structures, including participial phrases and time-based clauses, which demonstrates good control. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your sentences.
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