Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-13

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 in millions travelling to a particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017.

Overall, the number of tourists visiting the island increased each year and were stagnant only from [redacted phone]. Similarly, the number of visitors staying on cruise ships also increased each year with a small dip only in 2012. Fluctuations are visible in the number of visitors staying on island throughout the duration.

The number of visitors staying on cruise ships increased from 0.25 million in 2010 to 2 million in 2017. A decrease of 0.25 million happened in 2012 from 0.5 million, but gained the same momentum in the latter year.

In contrast, the number of visitors staying on island were constant at 0.75 million from [redacted phone] and at 1.5 million from [redacted phone]. Then a small dip of 0.25 million took place, leading to the same amount of increase in the final year.

The total number of visitors increased from 1 million in 2010 to 3.5 million in 2017, with the figures being same during [redacted phone] standing at 2.75 million.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all key features of the graph, including the overall trends for cruise ship visitors, island stayers, and the total figures. You have successfully identified the main trends and made relevant comparisons between the categories. The overview is clear and highlights the general upward trajectory. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with absolute precision; for instance, the statement that the total number of visitors was 'same during 2015-2016' is a good observation, but ensure the data interpretation is consistently accurate across all years. The report is well-structured and fulfills the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and two body paragraphs that group information by category. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'In contrast' and 'Similarly', to link your points. However, the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the transition between sentences is smoother. At times, the connection between the data points feels slightly mechanical. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to a coherent response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'stagnant', 'fluctuations', and 'momentum' appropriately. The language is generally precise enough to convey the trends shown in the graph. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations and avoid repetitive phrasing. For example, instead of repeating 'increased each year', you could use 'witnessed a steady climb' or 'experienced consistent growth'. While your vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the information clearly, expanding your range of descriptive verbs and adverbs would help elevate the response to a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear, and your meaning is never in doubt. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'number of tourists... were stagnant' (should be 'was stagnant' to agree with 'number') and 'the figures being same' (should be 'the figures being the same'). Despite these occasional errors, your control of grammar is generally good, and the punctuation is used correctly. To achieve a higher score, focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and refining the use of articles to ensure greater accuracy in your complex sentences.

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

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