Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · 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 4.5)

The graph below shows the number of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017.

Overall, number of tourists visiting a Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017. Different types of channels are shown here with different years with appropriate details.

To begin with, in the year 2010, the amount of visitors staying on cruise ships is above 0%, next year 2011, it is 0.5%, in the year 2012, it is above 0%, in the year 2013, it is about 0.5%, in the year 2014, it is about 1%, in the year 2015, it is above 1%, in the year 2016, it is 0.5% and the last year 2017, it is about 2%.

Furthermore, next category is visitors staying on island, in the year 2010, it is above 0.5%, next year 2011,

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. Furthermore, the content is incomplete; the description stops abruptly mid-sentence while discussing the second category. The overview provided is repetitive and lacks a clear summary of the main trends or significant features of the graph. The data reporting is mechanical and lacks the necessary comparisons or synthesis required for an Academic Task 1 response. To improve, you must ensure you complete the analysis of all data points and provide a cohesive summary of the overall trends observed in the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.5

The essay lacks a logical structure. While there is an attempt at paragraphing, the abrupt ending prevents the development of a coherent argument or report. The use of cohesive devices is limited and repetitive (e.g., 'in the year 2010', 'next year 2011'). There is no clear progression of ideas because the response is unfinished. To improve, focus on grouping data logically rather than listing every year individually, and use a wider variety of linking words to connect your observations smoothly.

Lexical Resource — Band 4.5

The vocabulary is very basic and repetitive. You rely heavily on simple phrases like 'in the year' and 'it is'. There is no attempt to use more sophisticated vocabulary related to trends (e.g., 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable'). The lack of variety in your word choice makes the writing monotonous and limits your ability to describe the data precisely. To improve, learn and apply topic-specific vocabulary for describing graphs and avoid repeating the same sentence structures.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5

The grammatical range is extremely limited, consisting mostly of simple, repetitive sentence structures. There is a lack of complex sentence forms. While the errors present do not always impede communication, the lack of variety and the incomplete nature of the sentences significantly lower the score. You should focus on using a mix of simple and complex structures, such as using subordinating conjunctions (e.g., 'while', 'whereas') to compare data points, which would also improve the quality of your analysis.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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