Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-24
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 6.5)
The line graph illustrates changes in the number of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island, distinguishing between visitors staying on cruise ships and staying on the island, and the total number of visitors over the period from 2010 to 2017.
Overall, it is evident that the figures exhibited contrasting trends over the given period, with some figures increasing, while others remained comparatively stable. The total number of visitors recorded the highest figure, whereas the number of visitors staying on cruise ships recorded the lowest figure. However, the number of visitors staying on the island increased by the end of the period.
Looking at the details, the number of visitors staying on cruise ships stood at approximately 0.25 million in 2010, after which it increased gradually to roughly 2 million by the end of the period. Moreover, the total number of visitors started at around 1 million in 2010. Thereafter, it increased continuously to approximately 3.5 million in 2017.
In 2010, the number of visitors staying on the island stood at nearly 0.75 million and then rose to just over 1.5 million in 2013. Subsequently, it remained relatively stable until the end of the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and reporting the main trends and data points for the categories shown in the graph. The overall summary captures the main features effectively, noting the upward trajectories and the contrasting patterns of cruise ship visitors versus those staying on the island. Figures are generally accurate and well-selected, such as 'approximately 0.25 million in 2010' for cruise ship visitors and 'around 1 million' for the total number of visitors in the same year. The information is well-supported with relevant data from the graph, meeting the requirements of Band 7.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The response is logically organised, with a clear introduction followed by a broad overview paragraph, and subsequent paragraphs detailing specific trends. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data, as seen with transitional phrases like 'after which', 'Moreover', and 'Subsequently'. Paragraphing is logical, grouping the introduction, overview, and body details into distinct blocks. The logical progression is clear throughout the text, satisfying the criteria for Band 7.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task, employing appropriate reporting verbs and modifiers such as 'illustrating', 'distinguishing', 'exhibited contrasting trends', and 'increased gradually'. There is an awareness of collocation and style, although some phrasing leans slightly towards repetition ('recorded the highest figure, whereas the number of... recorded the lowest figure'). Vocabulary is adequate and allows for precise reporting of trends without impeding communication, earning a solid Band 6.5 or 7.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5
The text displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including relative clauses and adverbial clauses of time (e.g., 'after which it increased gradually', 'In 2010, the number of visitors staying on the island stood at nearly 0.75 million and then rose...'). There is a high proportion of error-free sentences, and grammatical control over tense usage (past simple for past data trends) is strong. Minor punctuation and structural slips do not impede communication, supporting a Band 7 score.
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