Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-03
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 5.0)
The table graph illustrates the number of visitors visiting a particular Caribbean island from 2010 to 2017.
Overall, the trend was increasing during the whole period. visitors who stayed on the island remained constant in 2013 to 2015. The number of tourists who stayed on cruise ships was increasing over the period.
To begin with, the number of tourists who stayed on the cruise ship was nearly 0.3 million in 2010. The figure fluctuated in 2013 and it reached at 0.9 million. After fluctuating, it increased gradually to 2017, and it was 4 times higher than 2013.
On the other hand, the number remained the same between 2010 and 2011, it was approximately 0.8 million. Following this, it increased significantly from 2013 to 2015, it reaching 1.5 million. In 2016, it remained unchanged. After that, it decreased drastically and it increased considerably and it 1.3 million and 1.5 million respectively.
However, the total number of tourists visiting this island was 1 million in 2010. Moreover, this figure increased significantly and reached 2.7 millionsas well as it remained unchanged to 2016. In 2017, it rose sharply.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall trend and specific data points for cruise and island stay visitors. However, the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. For instance, the description of the island stay visitors is confusing, particularly the final sentence which mentions '1.3 million and 1.5 million' without clearly linking these to the specific years or the total. Additionally, the statement that the cruise ship figure was '4 times higher than 2013' in 2017 is mathematically inaccurate based on the provided data. While the main trends are identified, the lack of precision in reporting figures and some contradictory statements limit the clarity of the report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, the transition 'On the other hand' is used to introduce a new category, but it does not effectively contrast the information. There are also issues with referencing; the phrase 'it remained unchanged' is used repeatedly without clear subjects, making it difficult to track which data set is being discussed. The progression of ideas is occasionally disjointed, particularly in the final paragraph where the data reporting becomes fragmented.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe trends such as 'increased significantly', 'fluctuated', and 'remained constant'. However, the range is limited and there are instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'reached at 0.9 million' (should be 'reached 0.9 million') and '2.7 millionsas well as'. These errors, while not impeding communication entirely, show a lack of precision. To reach a higher band, the student should focus on using more varied collocations and ensuring that numerical data is presented with correct terminology.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Common issues include incorrect verb tenses, missing articles, and faulty sentence construction, such as 'it reaching 1.5 million' and 'it 1.3 million and 1.5 million respectively'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas to join independent clauses, leading to run-on sentences. While the meaning is generally clear, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence structure prevents the response from reaching a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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