Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-26

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 8.5)

The line graph compares the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in a particular country between 2011 and 2018. Evidently, the number of shop openings showed a downward trend despite some fluctuations.

In 2011, approximately 8,500 new shops opened, compared with around 6,500 closures. Openings then declined steadily to about 4,000 in 2014 before recovering slightly to 4,500 in 2015. After remaining stable in 2016, the figure fell again, reaching only 3,000 by 2018, the lowest level recorded during the period.

By contrast, shop closures rose from around 6,500 in 2011 to a peak of roughly 7,500 in 2013. The number then dropped dramatically to almost zero in 2015 before rebounding sharply to just over 5,000 in 2016. Closures remained fairly stable at around 5,000 in both 2017 and 2018. Although openings exceeded closures at the beginning of the period, the gap gradually narrowed, and by 2018 the two totals were almost the same.

Overall, the number of shop openings showed a downward trend despite some fluctuations, while the number of closures varied considerably throughout the period. By the end of 2018, both figures were relatively similar, although they had followed different patterns.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main trends and provided relevant data points to support your descriptions. The comparison between shop openings and closures is clear, and the overview at the end provides a concise summary of the overall patterns. You have accurately highlighted the key features, such as the initial higher number of openings and the eventual convergence of the two figures by 2018. The information is well-selected and logically presented, meeting the requirements for a Band 8 level of task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the trend for openings, the trend for closures, and a final summary. Cohesive devices such as 'By contrast', 'Although', and 'while' are used effectively to link ideas and create a smooth flow. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is sequenced in a way that is easy for the reader to follow. The use of referencing is precise, ensuring that the relationship between the two sets of data remains clear throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'downward trend', 'fluctuations', 'declined steadily', and 'rebounding sharply' show a level of sophistication and precision. The word choice is generally accurate and helps to convey the data clearly. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more varied synonyms for 'number' or 'figure' could further enhance the lexical range. Overall, the language is natural and contributes to the clarity of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as the use of subordinate clauses starting with 'Although' and 'After'. The punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the tense usage is consistent with the requirements of describing past data. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a solid command of English grammar.

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