Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-04

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 who visited one particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017.

The value of population is given in millions.

Overall, the total number of visitors in a Caribbean island increased. However, the number of visitors staying on cruise ships and on island fluctuated over the given period.

In 2010, the total number of visitors were 1 million, among which 0.75 millions were staying on island whereas 0.25 millions on cruise ships. The total number reached 1.5 millions in 2012. The number of visitors residing on island was constant till 2011 before rising up to 1.3 millions in 2012. Consequently, the number of visitors on cruise ships increased to 0.5 million before declining in 2012 reaching 0.2 millions.

From 2013 till 2017, the total number of visitors in the island increased and reached 3.5 millions. The number of visitors residing on cruise ships and on island fluctuated every year and finally stood at 2 millions and 1.5 millions respectively in 2017.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall trend and specific data points. You successfully identified the total visitor numbers and the split between cruise and island-stay tourists. However, the analysis of the period from 2013 to 2017 is somewhat underdeveloped; while you mention the final figures, you could have provided more detail on the growth trajectory or the specific point where the two categories crossed or diverged. The overview is clear, but the report would benefit from more precise comparisons between the two categories throughout the period rather than just listing figures.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In 2010', 'Consequently', and 'From 2013 till 2017' to guide the reader through the timeline. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial period from the latter years. While the flow is generally good, some transitions between sentences feel slightly mechanical. To reach a higher band, ensure that the progression of ideas within paragraphs is smoother and that referencing (e.g., 'the island') is consistently clear.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuated', 'residing', and 'consequently'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'The value of population is given in millions' (it should be 'visitor numbers') and 'on island' (which should be 'on the island'). The vocabulary is functional and allows for clear communication, but it lacks the precision and variety of less common lexical items that would characterize a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('the total number of visitors were 1 million' should be 'was 1 million') and missing articles ('on island' should be 'on the island'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on consistent subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles when referring to specific groups or locations.

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

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