Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-12

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 6.0)

The graph illustrates the ratio of tourists visiting a specific Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017.

Overall, there were two types of visitors the one who stayed on cruise ships, whereas the other tourists stayed on the island.

Firstly, there were about 0.25 million visitors stayed on the ships in 2010, whereas one million were stayed on island.

The number of people stayed on the cruise ships doubled in 2011 and the public stayed on the island also increased slightly and reached 1.5 million. In 2012, the number of tourists on the ships decreased a little bit, whereas the ratio of individuals on the island increased and stood at 2 million.

From 2013 to 2015 there were a great increased in tourists stayed on the ships and the number reached 1.5 million, similarly the people on the island increased steadily and stood at 2.75 million in 2015. In 2017, the visitors on the cruise ships increased slowly and touched 2 million but there were a massive increase in number of tourists on island which touched the figure 3.5 million in 2017.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the two categories of tourists and noting the trends over the period. However, the overview is slightly weak; it describes the categories but does not clearly highlight the most significant trends or the overall growth pattern. While the data points are generally accurate, the analysis lacks a clear, cohesive summary of the main differences between the two groups. To improve, ensure the overview synthesizes the information rather than just listing categories, and focus on comparing the two groups more effectively throughout the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the chronological progression. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'whereas' and 'in 2012' are used frequently, and the transition between sentences could be smoother. The logical flow is generally clear, but the lack of varied linking words makes the text feel slightly disjointed. Improving the range of cohesive devices, such as using 'consequently', 'in contrast', or 'subsequently', would enhance the flow and logical progression of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe trends such as 'doubled', 'increased steadily', and 'massive increase'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'the public stayed on the island' (referring to tourists) and 'ratio of tourists' (when 'number' or 'figure' would be more appropriate). The range is somewhat limited, and the repetition of basic verbs like 'stayed' and 'increased' limits the sophistication of the response. Expanding the range of synonyms for describing trends would improve the score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'there were about 0.25 million visitors stayed' (should be 'who stayed'), 'one million were stayed' (should be 'stayed'), and 'there were a great increased' (should be 'a great increase'). These errors in verb tense and passive voice construction are persistent. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct tense usage is essential.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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