Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-08
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 chart shows the information about the number of people visiting a Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017.
Overall, there are two type of group, one was visitors staying on cruise ships and other was staying on island. The total number of visitors increased 1 millions to 3.5 millions. The number of visitor staying on cruise ships and on island both were nearly similar and sometime fluctuated.
In 2010, around 1 millions of people visited a Caribbean island, in that approximately 0.25 millions stayed on cruise ships while 0.75 millions stayed on island. However it has same visitors in 2011. However, proliferated people on island over a years until 2013. After that up to 2015, it became stable and then it decline and followed by it increased at around 1 millions in 2017. Tourists prefer to stayed on cruise ships was boon after 2012, and it rapidly increased over a years and approximately 2 millions people stayed in 2017.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the overall upward trend and the two categories of visitors. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you mention the total number of visitors, the specific data points for 2010 and 2017 are provided, but the description of the trends between these years is confusing and lacks precision. For example, stating that the number of visitors 'proliferated' and then 'became stable' is vague without clear reference to the specific years or the magnitude of change. To improve, ensure that you clearly distinguish between the two categories throughout the entire period and provide more accurate comparisons of the data points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For instance, the transition 'However it has same visitors in 2011' is grammatically awkward and does not effectively link the ideas. The use of 'However' to start two consecutive sentences is repetitive. Additionally, the referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track which category of visitor is being discussed at certain points. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear logical progression between sentences would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is limited and occasionally imprecise. You use words like 'proliferated' and 'boon' in ways that do not fit the context of describing statistical trends. There are also errors in word choice, such as 'two type of group' instead of 'two types of visitors' and '1 millions' instead of '1 million'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, it lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands. Focusing on accurate collocations for describing graphs, such as 'experienced a steady increase' or 'remained relatively stable', would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'one was visitors staying on cruise ships and other was staying on island' (missing articles and incorrect pronoun usage) and 'Tourists prefer to stayed on cruise ships was boon' (incorrect verb tense and structure). Subject-verb agreement and pluralisation errors (e.g., '1 millions') are consistent throughout the text. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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