Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-09
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 given graph illustrate the number of tourists visiting a specific Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017.
Overall, the graph compares the number of visitors who stayed on cruise ships and who stayed on island. From 2010, lower number of individuals stayed on cruise ships but the individuals who stayed on island was moderately 0.5 millions. In 2011, the number of tourists who stayed on ships suddenly decrease. However, tourists stayed on island gradually increase from 0.5 million to 1.5 millions and remain constant till 2015 . From 2012 to 2017, visitors stayed on cruise ships continuously increase from 0.3 millions to 2 millions. In 2016 to 2017, the visitors who stayed on island decrease and then again increase up to 1.5 millions. Finally, the total number of visitors was 1 millions and then gradually increase up to 2.7 millions. But in 2016 to 2017, the total number of visitors suddenly increase up to 3.2 millions
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the trends for cruise ship visitors, island stayers, and the total number of tourists. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, cohesive overview that synthesizes the data effectively. While the key trends are identified, some of the data points are described in a way that is slightly confusing, such as the description of the total number of visitors. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview highlights the most significant trends (e.g., the overall growth in tourism) rather than just listing chronological changes. The comparison between the two categories is present but could be more analytical.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into a logical sequence, moving from an introduction to an overview and then into the body of the data. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'In 2011', 'From 2012 to 2017'). Paragraphing is also insufficient; the entire body of the report is contained within a single paragraph, which hinders the clarity of the presentation. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each distinct trend or comparison is separated into its own paragraph to guide the reader through the information more effectively.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There is a reliance on basic verbs like 'increase' and 'decrease', and some phrasing is unnatural, such as 'the individuals who stayed on island was moderately 0.5 millions'. The use of 'millions' as a plural noun after a number is a recurring error. To improve, incorporate more sophisticated reporting verbs and nouns, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'a significant rise', or 'a steady decline', and ensure correct usage of singular and plural forms when discussing numerical data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The given graph illustrate'), incorrect article usage, and tense inconsistencies (e.g., 'suddenly decrease' instead of 'suddenly decreased'). While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for basic tense consistency and subject-verb agreement would significantly improve the accuracy of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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