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 but 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 0.5 million, meanwhile, the number of visitors who stayed on the island remained stable. Conversely, cruise ships ratio steadily decreased until 2012, after experiencing decline rose steadily and reached 2 million in 2017. The ratio of island visitors sharply rose and reached 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 million in 2017.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the total number of visitors and the breakdown between cruise ship and island visitors. You successfully identified the overall upward trend and the key fluctuations. However, the report lacks precision in some areas. For example, you mention the total number of visitors reached 3.5 million in 2017, but the data points for the individual categories (2 million and 1.5 million) are described somewhat confusingly as 'ratios' rather than absolute numbers. To improve, ensure that the data points are clearly linked to the correct categories and that comparisons between the two groups are more explicitly stated throughout the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific trends. You use some cohesive devices like 'conversely' and 'meanwhile' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. For instance, the transition between the total visitor figures and the breakdown of categories could be smoother. The use of referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the 'ratio' of visitors, which makes the progression of information feel slightly mechanical rather than fluid. Strengthening the use of linking words will help improve the overall logical flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuated', 'steadily', and 'sharply'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as using 'ratio' when referring to the number of visitors, which is technically incorrect in this context. Additionally, some phrasing is repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'remained stable'. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for trends and avoid using technical terms incorrectly. Expanding your vocabulary to include more precise descriptors for data movement will enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. For example, 'despite a decline between 2010 and 2011 also reached its highest figure' is a run-on sentence with missing subjects. There are also issues with comma splices, such as '...2.75, it remained stable'. Furthermore, some verb tenses and prepositions are used incorrectly, such as 'experienced declined' instead of 'experienced a decline'. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and ensuring each sentence has a clear structure will significantly improve your accuracy.

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