Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-31

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 9.0)

The line graph illustrates the numbers of shop closures and new shop openings in a particular country from 2011 to 2018.

Overall, the number of new shop openings followed a clear downward trend throughout the period, whereas shop closures fluctuated considerably. Although closures experienced a dramatic collapse in 2015, they recovered rapidly in the following years and ultimately exceeded the number of new openings by the end of the period.

In 2011, around 8,500 new shops were established, significantly more than the approximately 6,500 that closed. However, openings fell sharply to about 4,000 in 2012 before recovering steadily to reach roughly 6,000 in 2014. Thereafter, the figure declined once again, dropping to around 4,000 in 2015 and remaining relatively stable over the next two years. In the final year, the number of new shops fell further to approximately 3,000, the lowest figure recorded apart from 2012.

By contrast, shop closures showed marked fluctuations. Beginning at around 6,500 in 2011, the figure dipped slightly to 6,000 in 2012 before climbing to a peak of just over 7,000 in 2013. It then eased to approximately 6,500 in 2014. In 2015, however, closures plunged dramatically to only about 500, representing the most striking feature of the graph. This decline proved temporary, as the figure rebounded sharply to just above 5,000 in 2016. It then remained broadly stable, slipping marginally in 2017 before ending the period at around 5,300 in 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response is excellent. You have fully addressed all parts of the task by identifying the main trends and providing specific data points to support your descriptions. The overview is clear and effectively highlights the contrasting patterns between the two categories. You have successfully selected relevant features, such as the dramatic collapse in closures in 2015, and made appropriate comparisons throughout the report. The information is well-organised, and the data is accurately reported, meeting all the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an introduction and overview to detailed analysis of the two categories. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'By contrast', 'thereafter', and 'in the following years', which help the reader follow the narrative of the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the relationship between the sentences is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Your use of precise reporting verbs and descriptive phrases, such as 'fluctuated considerably', 'dramatic collapse', 'plunged dramatically', and 'rebounded sharply', is highly effective and appropriate for an academic report. The vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision, contributing to a natural and professional tone. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use a variety of complex sentence forms, such as subordinate clauses ('Although closures experienced...', 'as the figure rebounded...') and participial phrases ('representing the most striking feature...'), which are handled with control. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. The grammatical control is consistent throughout the response.

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