Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-30
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 graph depicts the number of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island from 2010 to 2017.
Overall, the total number of tourists increased significantly over the period. However, the number of visitors staying on the island fell after some time. However, the number of visitors staying on cruise ships shows a rapid increase.
In 201o, both groups stood at the same level at 0.8 percent, but in 2012, the number of visitors staying on the island grew gradually and reached about 1.5 million visitors . From 2015 to 2016, it showed a moderate decrease, but in 2017 it stood at about the same level, at 1.5 million.
In 2010, the number of visitors staying on cruise ships stood at the lowest point of about 0.5 million. In 2012, it showed rapid growth, and it became the highest at around 2 million visitors in 2017.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The student has attempted to cover all main features of the graph, including overall trends and specific data points for visitors staying on cruise ships and those staying on the island. However, there are some inaccuracies in reading the data, such as claiming that 'In 2010, both groups stood at the same level at 0.8 percent' (the chart shows 0.25 and 0.75 in millions, not percentages). Additionally, the word count is 144 words, which falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement. Consequently, a penalty is applied, placing this criterion at band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response has a basic structure with an introduction, overall summary, and body paragraphs. However, paragraphing is somewhat fragmented, and cohesive devices are repetitive, notably the repetitive use of 'However' ('However, the number of visitors... However, the number of visitors...'). Logical progression is occasionally disrupted by minor tracking errors and disjointed sentences. Overall arrangement is coherent enough to follow, supporting a band 6.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, such as 'depicts', 'increased significantly', 'moderate decrease', and 'rapid growth'. There are some inaccuracies and awkward expressions, such as using 'percent' instead of 'million' ('at 0.8 percent') and a slight misuse of 'after some time'. However, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main message without severely impeding communication, fitting the band 6.0 descriptor.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'In 2010, both groups stood at the same level at 0.8 percent, but in 2012, the number of visitors...'. There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, including the typo '201o' and incorrect unit designation. However, simple sentences are generally accurate, and errors do not prevent comprehension, making a band 6.0 appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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