Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-27
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 6.0)
The line graph illustrates the number of tourists (in millions) visiting a particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017.
Overall, the total number of visitors increased but stayed stable between 2015 and 2016. The number of visitors who stayed on the cruise ships rose steadily despite a decline between 2010 and 2011 also reached its highest figure in the total numbers, while the number of visitors who stayed on the island fluctuated but stayed stable between 2013 and 2015.
Between 2010 and 2015, the total number of visitors rose steadily from 1 million to approximately 2.75, it remained stable until 2015, however sharply increased until 2017 and reached highest figure of 3.5 million.
Between 2010 and 2011, the number of visitors who stayed on the cruise ships increased and reached to 0.5 million, meanwhile, the number of visitors who stayed on the island remained stable. Conversely, cruise ships ratio steadily decreased until 2012, after that rose steadily and reach to 2 million in 2017. The ratio of island visitors sharply rose and reached to 1.5 million in 2013 and remained stable until 2015, however experienced declined in 2016 with 1.25 million but again stable at 1.5 in 2017.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all key features of the graph, including the total number of visitors and the breakdown between cruise ship and island-stay tourists. You successfully identified the main trends and made relevant comparisons between the two categories. However, the description of the data is occasionally confusing, particularly when discussing the 'cruise ships ratio' and the 'total numbers'. The overview is present but could be more clearly articulated to highlight the most significant trends, such as the overall upward trajectory and the divergence between the two visitor types. The data points are generally accurate, but the phrasing makes it difficult to follow the specific movements of the two categories at certain points in the timeline.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices such as 'conversely', 'meanwhile', and 'however' to link ideas. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly inaccurate, which affects the flow of information. For instance, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is a bit abrupt. Additionally, some sentences are run-on or lack clear logical progression, such as the sentence starting with 'The number of visitors who stayed on the cruise ships rose steadily despite a decline...'. Improving the variety and precision of your linking words would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuated', 'steadily', 'sharply', and 'proportion'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'reached to 0.5 million' (should be 'reached 0.5 million') and 'cruise ships ratio' (which is not clearly defined). You also repeat the word 'stable' several times, which limits the sophistication of your writing. To achieve a higher band, try to use more precise synonyms for trends and avoid redundant phrasing. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, but it lacks the flexibility and precision required for a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt to use complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as missing articles ('the' before 'total numbers'), incorrect verb forms ('reached to'), and punctuation issues (comma splices). For example, 'it remained stable until 2015, however sharply increased' is grammatically incorrect. These errors do not generally impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of conjunctions will help improve your accuracy and the overall quality of your sentence construction.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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