Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-20

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 given line graph depicts the information about the number of tourists who were visiting a particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017. The data has been calibrated into millions of visitors.

Overall, it is crystal clear that the number of visitors visiting a Caribbean was highest in total however the lowest proportion of tourists were staying on island.

At a glance, number of visitors in total was 1 million in year 2010 which further climb up to 1.5 million after two years in 2012. In total, numbers of visitors in 2013 steadily incline to 2 million. In 2014, this percentile increases to 2.5 million while it remains similar in both the years 2015 and 2016 of 2.5 approximately. Surprisingly, in total number of visitors jump to 3.5 in year 2017. Visitors staying on cruise ships was only 0.25 in year 2010 which slowly increase to 0.5 in further year. In year 2012, the people staying on cruise ships was slowly decline to same ratio as in year 2010 of 0.25 million.

Moving further, from the year 2013 to 2017 visitors staying on cruise ships were ranging from 0.5 to gradually incline to 2 million in year 2017. Visitors staying on island in year 2010 and 2011 was same of 0.75 million. From the year 2013 to 2015 tourists staying on island record similar trend of 1.5 million. Moreover, in 2016 it goes down to 1.25 million after that in year 2017 visitors staying on island went back to 1.5 million.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided data points to support your descriptions. However, the overview is problematic; you state that the 'lowest proportion of tourists were staying on island', which is not supported by the data, as the island-staying figures are generally higher than the cruise figures. Additionally, the overview lacks clarity regarding the overall upward trend. While you cover the main features, the analysis of the data is occasionally inaccurate, such as the claim that cruise ship numbers declined in 2012 to the same ratio as 2010, which is confusingly phrased and slightly misrepresents the graph's trajectory.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use some cohesive devices like 'Moving further' and 'At a glance' to transition between ideas. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly unnatural. The progression of ideas within paragraphs is generally clear, but the referencing is occasionally imprecise, such as using 'this percentile' when referring to absolute numbers (millions), which creates confusion. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they are used in the correct context would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'calibrated', 'steadily incline', and 'record similar trend'. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and awkward collocations. For example, 'calibrated into millions' is not the standard way to describe graph units, and 'percentile' is used incorrectly to refer to raw numbers. There are also minor errors in word form, such as 'slowly decline' instead of 'slowly declined'. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology for data reporting and ensuring collocations are natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'visitors... was highest', 'tourists... was staying') and incorrect tense usage (e.g., 'visitors... was slowly decline'). Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence construction often feels repetitive. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on consistent subject-verb agreement and correct tense usage for past events is essential.

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