Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-27

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 7.0)

The given line graph depicts both the total number of new stores and number of closed stores from 2011 to 2018 in a nation. At a glance, it can be seen that in 2015 least number of shops got closed down.

During 2011, the highest number stores were opened (8,500) as compared to other consecutive years. The new shops' opening declined significantly, to just below 4,000 for 2012. There was a moderate increase in number of new shop's inauguration in 2013 (5,000) and 2014 (6,100) respectively. However, after 2014 there was a almost continuous decline in starting of new stores and eventually dipped at 3,000 in 2018.

While the number of shop closures were 6,500 in 2011, 6000 in 2012, 6800 in 2014. The greater number of shops were closed during 2013 which accounted for 7,100 stores. Surprisingly, in 2015 least number of shops were closed just about 600. While, the closure numbers increased marginally to in 2016 (5,100) ,2017 (5,000), and 2018 (5,100).

Overall, there was a lesser rate of opening stores in comparison with closures.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph and provided a clear overview. You included relevant data points to support your descriptions, such as the peak in 2011 and the significant drop in 2015. However, the summary could be improved by making more direct comparisons between the two categories throughout the period, rather than describing them in separate, isolated paragraphs. Additionally, ensure that all data points are accurate; for instance, the graph shows 2013 closures at approximately 7,000, while you stated 7,100. Despite these minor inaccuracies, you have covered all parts of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. You use cohesive devices such as 'while', 'however', and 'in comparison with' to link ideas. However, the flow within the second paragraph is slightly mechanical, and some transitions feel repetitive. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of information is generally clear. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of cohesive devices and ensuring that the relationship between sentences is more fluid, particularly when contrasting the two sets of data.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'inauguration', 'consecutive', and 'marginally'. However, there are some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'starting of new stores' and 'shop's inauguration', which are not the most natural ways to describe business trends. There are also minor errors in phrasing that slightly affect the precision of your report. To improve, focus on using more standard business terminology and ensuring that your word choices are contextually appropriate for a formal report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'in 2015 least number of shops got closed down' (missing articles and awkward passive voice) and 'there was a almost continuous decline'. Punctuation errors, such as the spacing around commas and the misuse of periods, also occur. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on article usage and consistent sentence structure will help improve your accuracy.

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