Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-10-16

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 4.0)

The line graph compares the number of visitors visiting a certain island from a 2010 to 2017.

Overall, the total number of tourists experienced an increase over the period whereas tourists who stayed on island and on cruise ships flactuated.

In 2010, initial number of tourists was 1000,000

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response identifies the graph’s broad subject and gives a relevant overview: the total rises, while the two accommodation categories fluctuate. However, it provides almost no supporting detail, and the unfinished final sentence (“In 2010, initial number of tourists was 1000,000”) neither clearly reports the figure nor compares the series. Important features such as the total reaching about 3.5 million in 2017, cruise-ship visitors rising markedly after 2012, and island-staying visitors remaining relatively stable are omitted. The response is also substantially below the required 150 words. To improve, complete the report and select several accurate figures and comparisons to support the overview.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is a basic progression from an introduction to an overview and then an attempt to begin describing a data point. The linking word “Overall” helps signal the summary, and “whereas” introduces a contrast. However, the response ends abruptly after the opening detail, so there is no developed sequence of comparisons or conclusion to guide the reader through the data. The paragraphing is also too limited to separate the introduction, overview and detailed reporting. Organise the response into clear paragraphs and use a logical order—for example, describe the overall total first, then compare the two visitor categories across the period.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses some relevant task vocabulary, including “number of visitors,” “total number of tourists,” “fluctuated” and “stayed.” These choices make the general topic understandable. However, the range is very limited, and some wording is inaccurate or repetitive: “visitors visiting” repeats the same idea, while “flactuated” is misspelled. The phrase “1000,000” is also not a clear or conventional way to express the figure. Use precise terms such as “million,” “rose,” “remained stable,” and “reached a peak,” while checking spelling and avoiding repeated wording. This would make the limited description clearer and more appropriate for an academic graph report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response attempts a complex contrast in “the total number of tourists experienced an increase … whereas tourists … fluctuated,” showing some ability to connect clauses. However, grammatical control is uneven. In the opening, “from a 2010 to 2017” uses an unnecessary article and an awkward time expression; “tourists who stayed on island” is missing an article; and “In 2010, initial number” also needs a determiner. The final sentence is incomplete, with no punctuation or finished report after the figure. Use accurate forms such as “from 2010 to 2017” and “visitors staying on the island,” and check articles and sentence completion. More varied, complete sentences would strengthen the report.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.