Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-11
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 line graph presents the proportion of tourists visiting a specific Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017. Overall, it can be seen that, total had the highest number of visitors, visitors staying on island increased significantly. Total recorded the highest number at the end the period. In addition, visitors staying on cruise fluctuated throughout the period. Looking at the number of the categories that shared an upward trend, visitors staying on cruise ships stood at -0.5 million in 2010 and than fluctuated 1 million in 2014. Similarly, visitors staying on cruise ships reached 1.1 million of visitors in 20167. Meanwhile, total had the highest proportion of visitors, stood at 1 million and than increased gradually to 2.5 million of visitors in 2014. Total rose from 3.5 million of visitors in 2017. Turning to the remaining category, visitors staying on island started from 0.3 million of visitors in 2010 and than fluctuated throughout the period and reached 2 million of visitors in 2017.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| 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, but the presentation of data is often inaccurate or confusing. For example, the statement that cruise visitors stood at '-0.5 million' is factually incorrect and confusing. While you identify the main trends, the data points provided are inconsistent and sometimes contradictory, such as the conflicting figures for the 'total' category. To improve, ensure that you carefully read the axes and data points before writing. The overview is present but lacks clarity due to the imprecise language used to describe the trends. Focusing on accuracy in data reporting is essential for a higher band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay lacks a clear paragraph structure, as it is written as a single block of text. While there is an attempt to use cohesive devices like 'In addition', 'Similarly', and 'Meanwhile', the logical flow is hampered by repetitive sentence structures and unclear referencing. The progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical, and the lack of paragraphing makes the response difficult to follow. To improve, organize your writing into clear paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on specific trends or comparisons. This will help the reader navigate your analysis more effectively.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'visitors', 'number', and 'increased'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'total had the highest number' (which is grammatically incomplete) and 'than fluctuated' (where 'then' is the correct spelling). The use of 'proportion' is also technically inaccurate here, as the graph shows absolute numbers rather than percentages. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and adverbs (e.g., 'surged', 'plummeted', 'gradually', 'sharply') would significantly improve the quality of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement, missing articles, and incorrect word forms (e.g., 'than' instead of 'then', 'on cruise' instead of 'on cruise ships'). Sentence structures are mostly simple, and there is a lack of complex grammatical forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the placement of commas. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject and verb, and proofreading for common spelling and word-form errors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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