Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-26
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 7.5)
The line graph illustrates the number of visitors who stayed on cruise ships and on the island, as well as the total number of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017.
Overall, the total number of visitors increased considerably over the period. Although staying on the island was more popular at the beginning, the number of tourists staying on cruise ships increased significantly and became the more popular option towards the end of the period.
In 2010, the number of visitors staying on the island was higher than the number staying on cruise ships. The figure for tourists staying on the island then increased gradually until 2013, after which it remained relatively stable until 2015. However, it declined slightly in 2016 before rising again in 2017. Despite this increase, the figure remained lower than that for visitors staying on cruise ships.
By contrast, the number of tourists staying on cruise ships increased substantially, particularly between 2015 and 2016. This growth contributed significantly to the overall increase in the number of visitors to the island.
The total number of tourists also rose over the period, although it remained stable between 2015 and 2016. By 2017, the total number of visitors had reached approximately 3.5 million, compared with a considerably lower figure in 2010.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5
The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and reporting the main features of the chart with accurate data. For example, the writer correctly notes that the total number of visitors reached approximately 3.5 million by 2017 and accurately contrasts the trends between tourists staying on cruise ships versus those staying on the island. The comparison between categories is well-handled, fulfilling all requirements of Academic Task 1 effectively. Ideas are appropriately developed and supported by the visual data, placing this response securely in the Band 8 territory for this criterion.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently presented across well-defined paragraphs, featuring an introductory paragraph, an overall trend statement, and detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'Although staying on the island', 'By contrast', and 'Despite this increase'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the reader can effortlessly follow the comparisons and trends described in the graph.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.0
The student uses a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to a task of this type. Words and phrases such as 'illustrated', 'increased considerably', 'remained relatively stable', and 'declined slightly' demonstrate a good control of lexical items. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are attempted and used with appropriate precision, such as 'contributed significantly' and 'substantially'. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, easily satisfying the Band 7 descriptors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The response exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms. The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing strong control over grammatical rules and punctuation. Examples of complex structures include concessive and contrastive clauses such as 'Although staying on the island was more popular at the beginning, the number of tourists staying on cruise ships increased significantly...' Minor errors are virtually absent, and the accurate use of tense and referencing demonstrates a high level of grammatical precision.
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