Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-10

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 number of visitors visiting a island called Caribbean from 2010 to 2017.

Overall, the number of tourists visiting an island increased over the time. Moreover, individuals who preferred to stay on cruise were lower than people who stayed on island in beginning.

To begin with, less than 0.5 millions visitors liked to stay on cruise ship in 2010, which was the lowest one. This pattern gradually increased and reached 0.5 millions in 2011. In addition, this figure significantly climbed up to 2 millions in 2017 before dropped down at less than 0.5 millions in 2012. Furthermore, more than 0.5 millions persons preferred to stay on island in 2010. This pattern dramatically raised and reached 1.5 millions in 2013. After that, this figure remain same for next two years. Additionally, it decreased up to less than 1.5 millions in 2016 before reached 1.5 millions in 2017.

Moreover, the total number of visitors accounted 1 millions in 2010. This pattern gradually increased and reached 3.5 millions in 2017, which was the highest one.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the trends for cruise and island visitors, as well as the total. However, there are significant inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, the text claims the cruise ship figure 'significantly climbed up to 2 millions in 2017 before dropped down at less than 0.5 millions in 2012', which is chronologically confusing and factually incorrect based on the graph. Additionally, the description of the island visitors' trend is somewhat muddled. While the main trends are identified, the lack of precision in reporting the data points limits the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore' are used to link ideas. However, the progression of information is sometimes hindered by the inaccurate data reporting mentioned above. Referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical. The overview is present but could be more effectively integrated to highlight the most significant trends rather than just stating that numbers increased.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'stay on cruise' instead of 'cruise ship visitors' and 'the lowest one' which is slightly unnatural. The use of 'persons' is less appropriate than 'visitors' or 'tourists' in this context. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the general meaning, it does not demonstrate the flexibility or precision required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and prepositions. Examples include 'the number of tourists visiting a island' (article error), 'this figure remain same' (subject-verb agreement), and 'before reached' (incorrect verb form). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to be noticeable and suggest a lack of control over more complex grammatical structures.

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

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