Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-10-21

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)

This graph illustrate the number of touristrs who visited the particular Caribbean island by staying on cruise ships and staying on island and then total visitors staying from 2010 to 2017.

The number of visitors staying on cruise ships are smaller then the number of visitors staying on island in 2010 but in 2017 the number of visitors staying on cruise ships are higher then the visitors staying on island and the toatal number of the visitors is 1 million in 2010 witch increased and in 2017 the total number of visitors are 3.5 million. The visitors staying on island started decreasing in 2015 but the visitors staying on cruise are further increasing.

In 2010 the total number of the visitors stayng on curise ships are 0.25 millions and the visitors staying on island are 0.75 and in 2017 the total visitors staying cruise ships are 2 million and the visitors staying on island are 1.5 million.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the overall rise in total visitors, from 1 million in 2010 to 3.5 million in 2017, and make a relevant comparison between the two accommodation groups at the beginning and end. However, the account is only partly developed: it gives few intermediate figures and does not describe the total’s steady growth to 2015, its pause in 2016, or the island-stay figure’s rise, slight fall, and recovery. The statement that island visitors “started decreasing in 2015” is inaccurate: the number remained at 1.5 million through 2015 and fell in 2016. A clearer overview of the main trends, supported by selected accurate comparisons across the period, would make the summary more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic sequence: it introduces the graph, gives a broad comparison and trend, then provides figures for 2010 and 2017. This makes the general topic understandable. However, the information is not organised into clear paragraphs, and the second sentence combines several comparisons and trends, making the progression difficult to follow. Repeated wording such as “the number of visitors staying on…” also makes the links feel mechanical. Group the overview separately from the detailed figures, then describe the changes in chronological order. Use clear references such as “this figure” or “the total” where the meaning is unambiguous, and avoid joining too many points in one sentence.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use relevant basic terms, including “visitors,” “total number,” “increased,” and “million,” so the main subject can be understood. However, the vocabulary is limited and repetitive, particularly the repeated phrase “visitors staying on island/on cruise ships.” There are also noticeable spelling and word-choice errors, including “touristrs,” “toatal,” “witch,” and “curise,” which reduce accuracy and polish. Some combinations are awkward, such as “the total number of the visitors stayng on cruise ships,” where the chart’s total should be distinguished from each accommodation category. Build a small range of precise trend verbs and comparison phrases, and check spelling and collocation before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts to connect ideas with clauses using “but,” “and,” and “which,” but most sentences rely on simple patterns, and the longer sentences are often difficult to control. Subject–verb agreement is inconsistent: “This graph illustrate” and “the number … are” should use singular verb forms. The past-tense reporting is also uneven, as in “who visited” alongside “started decreasing,” while the chart description needs consistent past forms. Articles and plural forms are sometimes inaccurate, for example “staying on island” and “0.25 millions.” These recurring errors can make relationships between figures less clear. Practise accurate simple sentences first, then combine them with controlled clauses and check agreement, articles, and tense.

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