Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-10-01

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 shows the number of tourists visiting a particular Caribbean island from 2010 to 2017. The figures are given in millions.

Overall, the total number of visitors increased considerably during the period, from 1 million in 2010 to 3.5 million in 2017. Visitors staying on the island were higher than those staying on cruise ships for most of the years. However, cruise-ship visitors increased sharply towards the end.

In 2010, about 1 million tourists visited the island in total. Around 0.75 million stayed on the island, while only 0.25 million stayed on cruise ships. The total number then rose steadily to 1.5 million in 2012 and 2 million in 2013. By 2014, it had reached 2.5 million. During this period, the number of tourists staying on the island increased from 0.75 million to 1.5 million.

From 2015 to 2016, the total figure remained stable at around 2.75 million. However, there was a change in the two groups. Cruise-ship visitors increased from 1.25 million to 1.5 million, while visitors staying on the island fell slightly to 1.25 million. Finally, in 2017, the total number reached a peak of 3.5 million, including 2 million cruise-ship visitors and 1.5 million island visitors.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and highlighting key trends and comparisons from the graph. The overview captures both the upward trajectory of total visitors and the changing relationship between the two sub-categories. Main features, such as the overall growth to 3.5 million and the surge in cruise-ship visitors by 2017, are accurately reported and supported with appropriate data points from the visual. The student demonstrates a strong ability to select and contrast key information, such as noting the plateau between 2015 and 2016 alongside the shifting balance between island stays and cruise passengers. While further extension into deeper underlying implications could have pushed the response into higher territory, the current level of coverage fully satisfies the requirements of a well-developed academic summary.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is introduced effectively with a concise introductory statement, followed by a well-crafted overview paragraph that sets the macro-level trends. Subsequent body paragraphs break down the data chronologically and thematically in a structured manner. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'However', 'During this period', and 'Finally' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the progression of data. Paragraphing is logical, with each section serving a distinct purpose in summarising the visual data. Referencing and substitution are handled smoothly, ensuring that ideas flow naturally without mechanical or repetitive transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating less common lexical items such as 'considerably', 'steady', 'plateau' (implied via remained stable), and 'peak'. Word choices are generally appropriate and allow for clear reporting of numerical trends and comparisons. However, occasional minor inaccuracies in word choice or collocation prevent the response from achieving a higher band. For instance, referring to the categories as 'the two groups' is acceptable, but a more precise academic phrasing could enhance the register. Spelling is accurate throughout, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication, reflecting a solid command of functional language with some emerging precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation, employing a variety of complex sentence structures alongside simple forms. Frequent error-free sentences are evident, such as complex temporal clauses and compound-complex constructions like 'While cruise-ship visitors increased from 1.25 million to 1.5 million, visitors staying on the island fell slightly to 1.25 million.' Verb tenses and past time markers are handled accurately throughout the description of historical data. Good control is also maintained over prepositions and article usage within numerical and statistical contexts. A few minor slips occur, but these do not disrupt readability, and overall grammatical control remains strong and reliable.

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