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 the 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, the cruise ships ratio steadily decreased until 2012, after experiencing a 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 a decline in 2016 with 1.25 million but again remained at 1.5 million 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 the main features of the graph, including the overall trends and specific data points for both cruise and island visitors. You successfully identified the key periods of growth and stability. However, the report is slightly hampered by some inaccuracies in data interpretation and a lack of clarity in the comparison between the two categories. For instance, the statement regarding the 'cruise ships ratio' is confusing, as the graph tracks visitor numbers rather than ratios. To improve, ensure that your data points are precisely linked to the correct years and categories to avoid ambiguity.
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 such as 'conversely' and 'meanwhile' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. Additionally, some referencing is unclear, particularly when discussing the 'cruise ships ratio,' which makes it difficult for the reader to follow the progression of the data. Improving the variety of 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,' and 'sharply.' However, there are instances of imprecise word choice, such as using 'ratio' when referring to absolute numbers of visitors. There are also some minor errors in word formation and collocation, such as 'reached the its highest figure.' To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to trends and data analysis, and ensure that your terminology is used accurately in the context of the graph provided.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt to use complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as comma splices ('...to 2.75, it remained stable...') and issues with subject-verb agreement or missing articles. Some sentences are also slightly fragmented or run-on, which affects readability. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on sentence boundary punctuation and ensuring that every clause has a clear subject and verb will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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