Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-24
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 7.5)
The line graph illustrates the number of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017. The figures are given in millions and compare visitors staying on the island with those staying on cruise ships.
Overall, the total number of tourists increased significantly, from 1 million in 2010 to 3.5 million in 2017. Visitors staying on the island were more numerous for most of the period, while cruise-ship visitors showed some fluctuations before rising sharply.
In 2010, about 0.75 million tourists stayed on the island, compared with 0.25 million on cruise ships. The former remained stable in 2011, then increased to 1.25 million in 2012 and reached 1.5 million in 2013. It remained at this level until 2015, before falling slightly to 1.25 million in 2016 and recovering to 1.5 million in 2017.
Meanwhile, cruise-ship visitors rose from 0.25 million in 2010 to 0.5 million in 2011, before dropping to 0.25 million in 2012. The figure then increased steadily, reaching 1 million in 2014, 1.5 million in 2016 and 2 million in 2017.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
You have provided a clear and accurate summary of the main features shown in the graph. You successfully identified the overall upward trend and highlighted the key difference between the two categories of tourists. The inclusion of specific data points, such as the figures for 2010 and 2017, effectively supports your description. You have addressed all parts of the task well, providing a logical overview followed by detailed comparisons. To reach a higher band, ensure that you consistently highlight the most significant trends rather than listing every single year, though your current approach is well-balanced and informative.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the overview from the detailed analysis of the two categories. Cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'The former', and 'before falling' are used appropriately to link sentences and ideas. The flow of information is smooth, and the reader can easily follow the comparison between island-staying tourists and cruise-ship passengers. The structure is coherent throughout, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive phrasing.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a task of this nature. Phrases such as 'remained stable', 'increased steadily', and 'rising sharply' are used accurately to describe trends. The terminology is precise, and you avoid repetition by using synonyms like 'former' and 'figures'. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or varied descriptors for trends could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports clear communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
Your writing displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('before falling slightly') and comparative clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is consistent throughout the report. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To achieve a higher band, you could experiment with a wider range of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or more varied subordinate clauses, to demonstrate even greater flexibility.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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