Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-01

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 graph elucidates the number of tourists visiting Caribbean island between year 2010 to 2017.

Overall, the eye catching feature is that the total number of visitors increased drastically by 3.5 millions in year 2017. Whereas, visitors staying on island decreased by 1.5 millions in the same year.

In detail, the number of visitors staying on cruise ships started around 0 millions in year 2010 and showed utmost which was 2 millions in year 2017. While, the number of visitors staying on island started at 0.5 millions approximately in year 2010 and had gradually increased to 1.5 millions in the same year.

Subsequently , the total number of visitors started from 1 millions in year 2010 and showed at its peak which was 3.5 millions in year 2017. It had shown most number of fluctuation in past years. Further more, at the end all three categories had increased in the past few years.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall trends and the final figures for 2017. However, there are significant inaccuracies in data reporting. For instance, you state that visitors staying on the island decreased by 1.5 million in 2017, whereas the graph shows an increase. Additionally, the claim that cruise ship visitors started at '0 millions' in 2010 is inaccurate as the graph indicates a positive starting value. While you identify the main trends, the misinterpretation of the data points prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure you carefully cross-reference the axes and data points before writing.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or misused. For example, the use of 'Whereas' at the start of a sentence to contrast the total and island visitors is grammatically awkward, and 'Subsequently' is used inappropriately to introduce the total visitor trend. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the logical flow between sentences is occasionally hindered by these awkward transitions. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words would enhance the overall cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision. You use phrases like 'eye catching feature' and 'showed utmost', which are not standard academic collocations. There is also some repetition of 'millions' and 'year'. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of sophisticated vocabulary and the presence of word-choice errors (e.g., 'showed at its peak') limit the score. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise reporting verbs and nouns, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'experienced a significant rise'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as missing articles ('visiting Caribbean island'), incorrect preposition usage ('in year 2010'), and awkward phrasing ('It had shown most number of fluctuation'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are persistent throughout the text. To improve, focus on mastering article usage and standard time expressions, and ensure that subject-verb agreement is consistent. The sentence structures are functional but lack the complexity and accuracy required for higher bands.

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