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 GIVEN CHART BELOW ILLUSTRATES THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS VISITING A SPECIFIC CARIBBEAN ISLAND BETWEEN THE YEAR 2010 AND 2017. OVERALL, VISITORS STAYING ON CRUISE SHIPS WERE GRADUALLY INCREASING ALSO THE TOTAL NUMBERS OF VISITORS OVER THE YEARS HAS BE RISED AS IT WAS GETTING MORE POPULAR FOR TOURISTS.
ON THE ONE HAND, VISITORS STAYED ON CRUISE SHIPS WERE AROUND 0.25 MILLION IN 2010 AND 0.75 FOR PEOPLE WHO STAYED ON ISLAND GETTING THE GRAND TOTAL OF 1 MILLION IN TOTAL. PEOPLE STAYED AT ISLAND FACED A SLIGHTY RISE ACROSS THE YEARS TILL 2015 GETTING UPTO 1.5MILLION IN TOTAL, WHERE AS, THOES WHO STAYED IN SHIP HAD A DECREMENT TILL 2012 GETTING UP TO 0.25 MILLION AS THE PREVIOUS YEAR, EVENTUALY HAD A MAJOR UPGRADE IN POPULATION TILL 2015 REACHING OVER A MILLION PEOPLE.
HOWEVER, BETWEEN THE DURATION OF 2011 TO 2015, THE TOTAL POPULATION HAD BEEN INCREASING NOT DEPENDING ON ANY OTHER FACTORS. IN 2016 BOTH THE TERMS WERE AT NEAR TO EQUAL AROUN 1.5 MILLION AND 1.25 MILLION FOR 'PEOPLE IN SHIP' AND 'PEOPLE ON ISLAND' RESPECTFULLY. ENDING AT THE HIGHEST AT 3.5 MILLION IN TOTAL POPULATION
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the overall upward trend and the two categories of visitors. However, the analysis is hampered by significant inaccuracies in reporting the data. For example, stating that the total reached 3.5 million is not supported by the provided graph, and the description of the trends between 2011 and 2015 is confusing and inconsistent with the visual data. While the overview is present, the lack of precision in reporting figures and the misinterpretation of the data points prevent the response from reaching a higher band. To improve, ensure that data points are read accurately and that the summary reflects the actual trends shown in the graph.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as the misuse of 'on the one hand' to introduce the first body paragraph, which does not contrast with the previous sentence. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the flow between sentences is occasionally disjointed. While there is an overall attempt at logical progression, the lack of sophisticated linking words and the repetitive sentence structures make the text feel somewhat disjointed. Improving the variety of transition signals and ensuring they are used in the correct context would significantly enhance the coherence of the writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'has be rised' (incorrect verb form), 'decrement' (used incorrectly to describe a trend), and 'major upgrade in population' (inappropriate collocation for tourist numbers). The range is limited, and the student relies on basic descriptors. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'remained stable', and ensure that words are used in their correct grammatical form and context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a high frequency of grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are persistent issues with verb tenses and forms, such as 'has be rised', 'visitors stayed' (should be 'visitors staying'), and 'getting upto'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing spaces after periods and incorrect capitalization throughout the text. While there is an attempt to use complex structures, these are often faulty. The student needs to focus on basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and consistent use of tenses. Reducing the number of errors in simple sentences should be the priority before attempting more complex grammatical structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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