Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-11-12

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The graph below shows the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in one country between 2011 and 2018.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Number of shop closures and openings 2011– 2018

Student answer (Band 5.0)

The graph shows the informtion about the shops opening and closing in period of between 2011 to 2018.

Overall, what stands out from the graph is that there was a fluctuation, and then sustainly downward trend in both shops the opened and closed one. Altough the opening of the shops decreases over time, and closure shops fall slightly.

In 2011, the shops tha were opened are on the rate of around 8600, but till the next year it went down. From 2012, it start increses to 2013, as it drop again after 2014 and in 2015. In 2016, it remained stable till 2017, and then it incresed a littlebit, yet went down to 3000 at the end.

The closures of the shops are less as compare to the openeing shops.

It started from 6200 in 2011 after a little drop in 2012 it start increses slightly. In 2013 it touche its peak and after thta in 2014 it start decreasing and in 2015 it want down to 500 total. But after sometime in 2016 increases to 5500 and then it remained stable till 2018

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the two series and give a broad overview of fluctuation and decline, then describe each in a separate paragraph. However, the overview is not fully accurate: closures do not show a sustained downward trend, since they recover sharply after the 2015 low and finish near 5,200. Several figures are also misreported: closures begin at about 6,400, not 6,200, and fall to around 600 in 2015, rather than 500; openings rise to about 5,000 in 2013 and end at 3,000. The comparison that closures are “less” than openings is too general, as their relative levels change across the period. Select the main turning points accurately and compare the series at key stages.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and separate descriptions of openings and closures. This helps the reader follow the two series. However, progression within the paragraphs is sometimes unclear, particularly in the openings account, where “as it drop again after 2014 and in 2015” does not clearly distinguish the years or the trend. Linking phrases such as “after a little drop” and “after sometime” are vague, and the overview repeats the idea of decline without clearly summarising the contrasting patterns. Use clearer year-by-year sequencing and precise references, and make the overview establish the main contrast before giving details.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant trend vocabulary, including “fluctuation,” “peak,” “remained stable,” and “decreases,” so the reader can generally understand the intended account. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate, such as “on the rate of around 8600,” “closure shops,” and “less as compare to.” Spelling errors, including “informtion,” “increses,” and “openeing,” are also noticeable and reduce clarity. Aim for standard chart language and check spelling carefully. For example, describe figures as “stood at” a number, use “shop closures,” and compare the series with “fewer than” or “higher than,” as appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts both simple and longer sentences, including time clauses such as “after a little drop in 2012,” but control is inconsistent. Errors in verb forms and sentence construction occur frequently: “it start increses,” “it touche its peak,” and “it want down” make parts of the account difficult to read. There are also problems with articles, agreement, and prepositions, as in “in period of between 2011 to 2018” and “the shops tha were opened are on the rate.” Some sentences run together or lack clear punctuation. Practise accurate past-tense reporting and build longer sentences around one clear trend at a time, checking subject–verb agreement and sentence boundaries.

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.