Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-04
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 6.5)
The line graph illustrates the number of tourists who visited a Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017. It also compares the figures for visitors staying on cruise ships and those staying on the island. The numbers are given in millions.
Overall, the total number of tourists increased significantly over the period, rising from 1 million in 2010 to 3.5 million in 2017. While the number of visitors staying on the island remained relatively stable after 2013, the number of tourists staying on cruise ships grew rapidly and eventually became the larger group.
In 2010, the island welcomed 1 million tourists in total, including 0.75 million staying on the island and 0.25 million staying on cruise ships. The total number of visitors increased steadily to 2 million in 2013 and reached 2.5 million in 2014. It then rose slightly to around 2.75 million in both 2015 and 2016 before peaking at 3.5 million in 2017.
Regarding accommodation, the number of tourists staying on the island remained at 0.75 million in both 2010 and 2011 before increasing to 1.5 million in 2013. This figure stayed unchanged until 2015, dipped slightly to 1.25 million in 2016, and recovered to 1.5 million in the final year.
By contrast, the number of visitors staying on cruise ships fluctuated during the early years, falling from 0.5 million in 2011 to 0.25 million in 2012. However, it then rose steadily from 0.5 million in 2013 to 2 million in 2017, overtaking the number of visitors staying on the island in 2016.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response effectively addresses all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and successfully selected key data points to support your description. The comparison between the two categories—cruise ship visitors and island stayers—is well-integrated throughout the report. You have accurately identified the crossover point in 2016 and the overall growth trajectory. The information is presented logically, and the data points cited are accurate according to the graph. There are no significant omissions, and the response provides a comprehensive summary of the provided visual information.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overall trend, and the specific breakdown of the two categories. You have used a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'By contrast', 'However', and 'In 2010', which help the reader follow the narrative of the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different aspects of the analysis. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data description task. Phrases like 'remained relatively stable', 'grew rapidly', 'peaking at', and 'fluctuated' are used accurately to describe trends. The terminology is precise, and there is no evidence of repetitive language. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or nuanced descriptors could elevate the response further. However, the current range is sufficient to convey the information with precision and clarity.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses in 'While the number of visitors staying on the island remained relatively stable...'. Punctuation is accurate, and there are very few errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication or cause any confusion. Your control over tense usage is consistent, which is essential for reporting historical data.
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