Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-18
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 5.5)
The graph shows the number of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017. In 2010, one million visitors visited the island and later on the number of visitors to that island increased. In 2011, around 1.3 million visitors went to Caribbean island. Every year there was an increase in the amount of tourists to that island. Between 2015 and 2016 around 2.75 million tourists reached the island for their visit. After 2016, there was a rapid increase observed where around 3.5 million travelers made their journey to Caribbean island.
During the journeys of tourists, different people made their choice and stayed on island while others made their stay in cruise ships. In the year 2010, 0.25 million tourists chosen to stay on cruise ships but 0.75 stayed on the island. In 2011, similar amount of people, as in 2010, preferred to stay on the island while there was an increase in choice of people staying on cruise ships, 0.5% which was more than in the recent year. Then from 2012 and 2015, visitors preferred their stay on the island during their visit than to be staying on the cruise ships. Both choices were attracted in these years but the choice for staying on the island was given more importance by the tourists. In 2016, much tourists made their choice in staying on the cruise ships than to be staying on the island. Between years 2016 and 2017, around 2 million tourists preferred staying on the cruise ships which was more than people staying on island which were around 1.4 million in numbers.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall upward trend and the split between island and cruise ship visitors. However, the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. For instance, the statement '0.5% which was more than in the recent year' is confusing and inaccurate based on the data provided. Additionally, the description of the trends between 2012 and 2015 is vague, lacking specific data points to support the summary. To reach a higher band, you should ensure that all comparisons are clearly supported by the figures provided in the graph and avoid vague descriptions like 'different people made their choice'.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into two distinct paragraphs, which helps in separating the general trend from the specific breakdown of visitor types. However, the progression of ideas within the second paragraph is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is present but occasionally repetitive or awkward, such as the phrase 'During the journeys of tourists'. Referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the two categories of visitors. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the overall flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on repetitive phrasing, such as 'made their choice' and 'staying on the island'. There are also instances of inaccurate word choice, such as 'similar amount of people' and 'much tourists', which are grammatically incorrect and imprecise. To improve, focus on using more varied and accurate terminology related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'surpassed', or 'accounted for', and ensure that collocations are used correctly to convey your meaning more professionally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as '0.25 million tourists chosen to stay' (should be 'chose') and 'much tourists' (should be 'many tourists'). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. The sentence structures are often repetitive, and the lack of control over basic verb forms and pluralization hinders the overall accuracy. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage will help improve your score in this area.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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