The table below shows the number of visitors in the UK and their average spending from 2003 to 2008.
Sample Response
The table displays information regarding the number of visits, total spending, average spending per visit, and average nights per visitvisitors, spending and the length of their trip to the UK from 2003 to 2008. OverallLooking from an overall perspective, Deleteit is readily apparent that the number of visitsoverall visits, total spending, and average spending rose considerably with only average nights per visit ending below its initial levelfalling towards the end of the period. The largest growth proportionally was for total spending.
Looking first of all at numberquantity of visits, there were 24.715 million visits24,715,000 million travellers to the UK in 2003 and this figure climbed steadily by around 2 to 3 million each year until 2006, remained near 32 million in 2007, and then receded slightlyuntil 2006 when it plateaued at about 32 million before receding slightly to 31.8 million at the end of the periodto finish the time surveyed. Similarly, totalaverage spending in billions of pounds rose sharply from 11.855 to 16.002to a 16.002 in 2006, then dipped slightly before rebounding marginallythen leveled off and, in contrast, rebounded marginally to finish the period at 16.323.
In terms of average spending, this figure began at 475 pounds in 2003, declined slightly to 466declined moderately to 266 the next year and then rose consistently to conclude with a final surge to 511 in 2008. The only measure to end below its starting valueThe only data to decline was average nights per visit which began at 8.2 in 2003, remained level for a year and then rose by 0.1 each yearrose by.1 each year until 2006, before a sudden drop to 7.7 nights in 2007 and 2008.
Why this response received Band 7.5
The response is well structured and gives a clear overview of the broad changes across all four measures, supported by a useful selection of figures. Its main weakness is data accuracy: 24.715 million is misexpressed as 24,715,000 million, 466 becomes 266, and one column is mislabeled. Check every value and unit directly against the table before refining phrasing, as accurate reporting is the most urgent improvement.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
A clear overview and broad coverage of all four measures are weakened by significant errors in a visitor unit, a spending value, and a column label.
Verify every figure and heading against the table, especially 24.715 million visits, £11.855 billion total spending, and £466 average spending in 2004.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response is logically divided and progresses by measure, although a few connectors do not accurately express the relationship between trends.
Use linking words such as 'similarly' and 'in contrast' only when the following comparison genuinely matches that relationship.
Lexical Resource
A broad range of trend and comparison vocabulary is used effectively, despite several imprecise collocations and labels.
Use exact terms such as 'number of visits' and 'total spending' rather than 'quantity of visits' or 'average spending in billions.'
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The response uses varied complex structures with generally strong control, while a few article, spacing, and expression errors remain noticeable.
Proofread constructions such as 'to a 16.002' and 'rose by.1' to remove small but avoidable grammatical and mechanical errors.
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
The table below shows the number of visitors in the UK and their average spending from 2003 to 2008.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.