Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-07-31

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 9.0)

The line graph illustrates the number of tourists who visited a Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017, distinguishing between visitors staying on the island and those staying on cruise ships.

Overall, the total number of tourists increased substantially over the period. Although visitors staying on the island initially outnumbered those staying on cruise ships, the latter figure grew more rapidly and became the larger group by the end of the period.

In 2010, approximately 0.75 million tourists stayed on the island, compared with only 0.25 million who stayed on cruise ships. The number of visitors staying on the island then rose steadily to 1.5 million in 2013 and remained unchanged until 2015. It subsequently fell slightly to around 1.25 million in 2016 before recovering to 1.5 million in the final year.

By contrast, the number of tourists staying on cruise ships increased more dramatically. After rising from 0.25 million to 0.5 million in 2011, the figure remained stable until 2013. It then grew rapidly, reaching 1 million in 2014 and approximately 2 million in 2017. Consequently, the total number of visitors rose from 1 million in 2010 to 3.5 million in 2017, despite remaining stable at around 2.75 million between 2015 and 2016.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview that highlights the main trends and successfully identified the key features of the data. The comparison between the two categories (island stayers vs. cruise ship visitors) is well-integrated throughout the report. You have effectively selected relevant data points to support your descriptions, such as the initial figures in 2010 and the final figures in 2017, which provides a comprehensive summary of the graph's information. The information is accurate and logically presented, meeting all the requirements for a high-band response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an introduction and overview to detailed analysis of the two categories. You have used a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Although', 'By contrast', and 'Consequently', which help to guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends, and the referencing (e.g., 'the latter figure') is precise and clear. The flow of information is smooth and natural throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You have demonstrated a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'grew more rapidly', 'remained unchanged', and 'increased more dramatically' are highly appropriate for describing trends in a graph. The use of 'distinguishing between' and 'subsequently' adds a level of sophistication to your writing. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic nature of the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, including subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although visitors staying on the island initially outnumbered...'). Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your sentences. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense usage—specifically the past simple for historical data—is consistent and correct. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication.

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