Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-14
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 chart illustrates three categories in terms of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island from 2010 to 2017.
Overall it is clear that, the total number of tourists showed an upward trend. In 2010, it was about one million and it reached significantly at around 3.5 million throughout the period.
Visitors staying on cruise ships and the overall number of visitors had an upward trend: Visitors staying on cruise ships started below 0.5 million in 2010. Then, it increased by a small amount, reaching approximately 0.5 million. Afterwards, it decreased marginally in 2012. Thereafter, it steadily increased till 2017. The total figure of the visitors grew throughout the entire period and it reached a peak around 3.5 million in 2017.
Visitors staying on the island fluctuated throughout the period. The number of tourist staying on the island remained the same in 2010 to 2011. Later, it increased above 1 million and about 1.5 milliom respectively, in 2012 and 2013. Following this, it decreased and increased again and finally it rebounded to 1.5 million in 2017.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student successfully identifies the main features of the line chart, noting the overall upward trend and the three distinct categories: total tourists, those staying on cruise ships, and those staying on the island. Key data points are reported, such as the initial and final figures, and a peak of approximately 3.5 million in 2017. Relevant comparisons are made between the different categories, fulfilling all requirements of the task. However, the description of the fluctuations for island visitors is slightly vague in places (e.g., 'decreased and increased again'), which prevents it from reaching a higher band. Overall, all parts of the task are adequately addressed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. The information is divided into sensible paragraphs, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by body paragraphs detailing specific trends. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader, such as 'Overall', 'Then', 'Afterwards', 'Thereafter', and 'Following this'. However, some of the referencing and transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive, such as the repeated use of time markers starting sentences. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, but logical progression could be smoother to achieve a higher score.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common items and trend-related vocabulary such as 'upward trend', 'marginally', 'steadily increased', and 'fluctuated'. There are, however, some slight awkwardness and minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'reached significantly at around 3.5 million' and a typo ('milliom' instead of 'million'). Despite these minor flaws, the lexical resource is sufficient to convey the intended meaning without impeding communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a reasonable command of grammar. Examples such as 'Visitors staying on cruise ships started below 0.5 million in 2010' and 'The number of tourist staying on the island remained the same in 2010 to 2011' illustrate good control over basic structures. There are some minor grammatical errors, such as 'number of tourist' (plural noun agreement) and awkward phrasing ('remained the same in 2010 to 2011' instead of 'between 2010 and 2011'), but these errors rarely impede communication and the majority of sentences remain accurate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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