Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-17
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 compares the number of tourists entering a particular island in the Caribbean from 2010 to 2017.
Overall, the graph clearly shows that the combined total accounted for the highest number throughout the period whereas visitors staying onboard had the least, however, later it overtook visitors staying on the island. Those residing on the island showed a continuous rise in number though later declined.
The total combined line remained dominant throught the years. The initial number of visitors was 1 million in 2010, it then increased and reached its peak at 3.5 million in 2017.
In contrast, tourists residing on the cruise ships accounted for the smallest number of visitors. In 2010 the amount was roughly at 0.3 million, it fluctuated three years after then rose steadily and surpassed tourists staying on the island and reached approximately 2 million in 2017.
As for those staying on the island, the number plateaued from 2010 to 2011 at around 0.56 million, then gradually increased by constantly reaching 1.5 million from 2013 to 2015. A sudden drop was apparent 2016 and increased again in 2017, respectively.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The student successfully covers all parts of the prompt, reporting the main features, trends, and key comparisons across the categories. The overview accurately captures the overarching trends, such as the total being highest and the cruise ship visitors eventually overtaking those staying on the island. Figures are reported with reasonable accuracy matching the visual data, noting the starting point of 1 million in 2010 and the peak of 3.5 million in 2017. Minor inaccuracies occur in specific figures (e.g., stating cruise visitors started at 'roughly 0.3 million' when it was 0.25, and island visitors plateaued around 0.75 rather than 0.56), but these do not detract from the clear reporting of trends. All major categories—cruise, island, and total—are properly addressed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response has a clear logical organization with an introduction, an overview paragraph, and three body paragraphs detailing each data series. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'In contrast' and 'As for those staying on the island', which guide the reader smoothly between categories. However, there are some minor cohesive glitches, such as 'however, later it overtook' creating a slightly clunky transition in the overview, and 'throught' being a typographical error. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different data series, establishing a clear progression throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range suitable for Task 1, employing terms such as 'accounted for', 'plateaued', 'fluctuated', and 'surpassed'. There are some minor lexical and spelling errors, such as 'throught' instead of 'throughout', and slight awkwardness in phrasing like 'visitors staying onboard' when referring to cruise ships. Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of collocation, but occasional inaccuracies prevent the score from reaching a higher band. Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the information clearly.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing dependent clauses and comparative structures. There are several grammatical errors and awkward constructions, such as 'The initial number of visitors was 1 million in 2010, it then increased' (comma splice) and 'A sudden drop was apparent 2016 and increased again in 2017, respectively' (missing preposition 'in' and misuse of 'respectively'). Despite these errors, the meaning remains clear and communication is not impeded. Frequent error-free sentences are present, but control over complex punctuation and connectors needs strengthening.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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