Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-26
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 below illustrates the information about the value of visitors coming to see a Caribbean island from the year 2010 to 2017.
Overall, the visual data depicts that millions of visitors were staying on cruise ships, but the visitors staying was more till the year 2105.
To start with, the term visitors staying on cruise ships, the number of people was very low in the beginning of the year, Along with the time it goes up to 0.5 million in 2011 and faced minor fluctuation till 2013, However, in 2014 the trend goes high and surpass the line of individual staying on island and reached its maximum numbers of visitors in the year 2017 leading with 2 million.
For, visitors staying on island the starting was good, leading 0.5 million people in the year 2010 and 2011.
Furthermore, in 2012 it got a major increase in the number of visitors and goes up to 1.5 million people in 2015. Lastly, it followed a downward trend till the year 2017. Moving towards, the total number, it was very high compared to both the terms, which was 1.5 million in the year 2012 and goes to 3.5 million in 2017.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the trends for cruise ship visitors and island stayers. However, there are significant inaccuracies in data reporting. For example, you mention '2105' instead of 2015, and the claim that cruise ship visitors reached 2 million in 2017 is not supported by the visual data provided. Furthermore, the description of the 'total number' is confusingly integrated and lacks clarity. While you have attempted to report the main features, the lack of precision in data interpretation and the inclusion of incorrect figures prevent a higher score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused, such as 'To start with, the term visitors...' and 'Moving towards, the total number...'. There are also issues with referencing; it is not always clear what the pronouns or phrases refer to. The logical progression is hindered by awkward transitions between sentences and paragraphs, making the flow feel disjointed at times. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on repetitive phrasing such as 'number of people' and 'visitors staying'. There are also some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'leading with 2 million' and 'the starting was good'. While the meaning is generally clear, the range of vocabulary is limited, and there is little evidence of less common lexical items or sophisticated control over word choice. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and descriptive adjectives would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Issues include incorrect verb tenses ('the trend goes high'), subject-verb agreement, and punctuation errors, such as unnecessary commas ('The, line graph'). Some sentences are poorly constructed, which occasionally makes the meaning difficult to follow. While you attempt to use complex structures, they are often inaccurate. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and ensuring consistent tense usage when describing past trends.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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