Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-19

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 line graph demonstrates the number of tourists who visit a particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017.

The number of tourists is in millions.

Overall, the number of tourists increased over time but it showed a big surge in 2016. Visitors were staying in cruise ships or on the island which showed the variations. The number of visitors who were staying on the island demonstrated an up and down line while the number of tourists staying on cruise ships showed a continuous growth with a small dip at the start.

The number of total visitors has increased continuously throughout the time period but it experienced a noticeable surge in 2016 to 2017. The total number increase from one million to three and a half millions.

The visitors who were staying on the island showed an increase in number from a quarter million to one and a half million. However, it showed a big increase in 2011 and a decrease in 2015 to 2016 followed by an i

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the overall upward trend and the distinction between cruise ship and island-based visitors. However, the response is incomplete, ending abruptly mid-sentence ('followed by an i'). This prevents a full summary of the data and impacts the development of the task. While the key features are identified, the lack of a conclusion and the unfinished nature of the final paragraph mean that the task is not fully addressed. To improve, ensure you complete your analysis and provide a clear, finished summary of the data trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the progression of ideas is interrupted by the unfinished final sentence. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall', 'However', and 'while', but they are somewhat basic. The referencing is generally clear, but the abrupt ending significantly disrupts the flow of the text. To reach a higher band, focus on ensuring that your paragraphs are fully developed and that your ideas transition smoothly to a logical conclusion without leaving sentences incomplete.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing for basic description of trends (e.g., 'increased', 'surge', 'continuous growth'). However, there is a lack of variety and precision. Phrases like 'up and down line' are informal and imprecise compared to academic alternatives like 'fluctuated'. There are also minor errors in word choice, such as 'cruise ships' (usually 'on cruise ships') and 'millions' (should be 'million' when preceded by a number). To improve, incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe trends and ensure correct usage of singular/plural forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The number of total visitors has increased continuously throughout the time period but it experienced...' and 'The total number increase from one million'. These errors, while not always impeding communication, are frequent. Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the incomplete final sentence is a major issue. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that you proofread your work to avoid unfinished thoughts and basic grammatical slips.

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

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