Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-28
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 6.5)
The given line graph provides information about the number of tourists visiting a Caribbean island from 2010 to 2017 over a period of 7 years, which measured visitors staying on cruise ships and staying on the island and the total number of visitors.
Overall, it can be seen that the number of tourists visitors showed an increasing trend during the time. In 2010, it started at 1 million and increased significantly to 3.5 million of visitors by 2017.
In the beginning, in 2010, visitors staying on cruise ships trends fluctuated between 0.25 to 0.5 million from the year of 2010 to 2012. However, it increased dramatically at 2 million in 2017. On the other hand, the number of visitors staying on the island started at 0.75 million in 2010 and gradually increased to 1.5 million in 2013. It then remained stable at approximately 1.5 million from 2013 to 2015. In 2016, the figure slightly dropped to 1.2 million, before recovering to 1.5 million in 2017.
Comparatively, visitors staying on cruise ships were much more variable compared to those staying on the island, but both contributed to the overall increase in the total number of tourists to the island.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response covers all key features of the graph, including the total number of visitors and the two sub-categories. You have successfully identified the overall upward trend and provided specific data points for the beginning, middle, and end of the period. The comparison between the two categories is clear, and the summary is accurate. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with absolute precision; for instance, the total number of visitors in 2010 is 1 million, but the breakdown (0.25 + 0.75) is also 1 million, which you handled well. The overview is concise and effectively highlights the main trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized into four paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, a body paragraph detailing the trends, and a concluding comparison. The progression of ideas is clear, and you use cohesive devices such as 'However,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Comparatively' to link your points effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. To improve, ensure that referencing is always precise; for example, 'the figure' in the third paragraph is clear, but ensure that all transitions feel natural rather than mechanical to achieve a higher score.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated,' 'increased dramatically,' and 'remained stable.' These terms are used accurately in context. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'tourists visitors' (redundant) and 'measured visitors staying' (slightly awkward phrasing). To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' to show greater flexibility. Overall, the vocabulary is adequate for the task and does not impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'while' clauses and compound sentences. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow. However, there are some grammatical slips, such as 'visitors staying on cruise ships trends fluctuated' (should be 'the trend for visitors... fluctuated') and 'increased dramatically at 2 million' (should be 'to 2 million'). While these errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding the information. Increasing the frequency of error-free complex sentences will help improve this score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.