Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-03
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 line graph illustrates the total number of tourists visiting Caribbean island including visitors staying on cruise ships and on island between 2010 and 2017.
Overall, the total number of the visitors increased throughout the period. In contrast, the number of visitors staying on island fluctuated. Meanwhile, the number of tourists staying on cruise ships also increased throughout the year but slightly fluctuates.
The total number of tourists increased from 1 million in 2010 to 2 million in 2013. It then rose further to approximately 2.7 million in 2015 before 3.5 million in 2017. In contrast, number of visitors staying on island accounted for 0.7 million by 2010, remained stable until 2011. It then increased to 1.3 million in 2012, then increased to 1.5 million in 2013 remaining at this level until 2015. After falling to 1.3 million in 2016, the figure recovered to 1.5 million in 2017.
In comparison, the number of visitors staying on cruise ships represented the least figure, only 0.2 million in 2010, increased to 2011 then slightly fluctuated before reaching 0.5 million again in 2013. After this it increased considerably reaching, 2 million people by the end of year. This made cruise-ship visitors the second largest group at the end of the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all key features of the graph, including the total number of visitors and the two sub-categories. You successfully identified the main trends and made relevant comparisons between the groups. However, there are some inaccuracies in the data reporting; for instance, you state the total reached 3.5 million in 2017, but the graph shows a different figure. Additionally, the description of the cruise ship data contains a significant error regarding the final figure (2 million), which is not supported by the provided visual. To improve, ensure that data points are read precisely from the axes and that comparisons are clearly linked to the specific years mentioned.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized into four paragraphs, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the specific data. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'After this' to connect ideas. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by mechanical phrasing and some awkward transitions between sentences. For example, the sentence 'It then rose further to approximately 2.7 million in 2015 before 3.5 million in 2017' is missing a verb, which disrupts the logical progression. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring each sentence has a clear grammatical structure would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuated', 'accounted for', and 'remained stable'. There are some instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'represented the least figure' (should be 'lowest figure') and 'by the end of year' (missing an article). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations related to data trends, such as 'witnessed a steady climb' or 'experienced a marginal decline'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Common issues include missing articles ('on island' instead of 'on the island'), incorrect verb forms ('slightly fluctuates' instead of 'slightly fluctuated'), and incomplete sentence structures ('before 3.5 million in 2017'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to lower the score. To reach a higher band, focus on subject-verb agreement, consistent tense usage when describing past data, and ensuring that all sentences are complete and grammatically sound.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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