Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-29

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 8.0)

The line graph compares the number of shops closings and openings in one country from the time period of 2011 to 2018.

Overall, the number of shop closures experienced a decrease, with the most noticeable fall in 2015, though it surpassed openings by the end of the period. Similarly, shop openings showed a decrease throughout the period.

In 2011, the figures for openings and closures stood at around 8,500 and at about 6,400, respectively. The number of openings fell sharply to 4,000 in 2012, before recovering to roughly 6,000 by 2014. The figure for closures decreased slightly to about 5,900 in 2012, and then hit its peak at 7,000 in 2013, before recovering to nearly 6,600 by 2014.

After they year 2014, both figures experienced considerable declines. Openings again fell to 4,000, while the number of closed shops decreased to its minimum at around 800 by 2015. The number for openings stayed relatively constant until 2017 before further decreasing to 3,000. In contrast, closures significantly recovered to about 5,100 in 2016, overtaking the figure for openings. This figure then stayed relatively unchanged until the end of the time period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response effectively identifies and reports the main features of the graph. You have successfully highlighted the key trends, such as the initial decline in openings and the fluctuating nature of closures. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the overall trends. You have made relevant comparisons between the two categories throughout the text, such as noting when closures overtook openings. All parts of the task are addressed, and the data is used accurately to support the descriptions. To reach a higher band, ensure that the most significant data points are clearly contrasted to provide a more analytical perspective.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. Cohesive devices such as 'In 2011', 'After the year 2014', and 'In contrast' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial period from the later years. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the two categories is well-maintained throughout the response. The use of referencing is generally clear, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the comparison between shop openings and closures.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information with precision. Phrases like 'experienced a decrease', 'fell sharply', and 'remained relatively constant' are used accurately. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, and the word choice is generally appropriate for the task. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, incorporating a slightly wider variety of synonyms for 'increase' or 'decrease'—such as 'plummeted', 'surged', or 'stabilized'—would enhance the sophistication of your writing. Spelling is accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used a variety of grammatical forms, including subordinate clauses and comparative structures, which are generally accurate. There are very few errors, and those that do occur, such as 'After they year 2014' (a minor typo), do not impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing good control over punctuation and tense usage. To improve further, ensure that you proofread for minor typographical errors to maintain the high level of accuracy seen in the rest of the text.

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