Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-03
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 illustrates the number of shop closures and shop openings in one country between 2011 and 2018.
Overall, the number of shop openings showed a downward trend over the period, while shop closures fluctuated considerably. The most noticeable feature is that shop closures plunged dramatically to below 1,000 in 2015 before recovering, whereas shop openings ended the period at their lowest level in 2018.
At the beginning of the period, approximately 8,500 new shops opened, compared with around 6,500 shop closures. In 2012, the figure for shop openings fell sharply to about 4,000, while closures decreased slightly to around 6,000. After that, openings recovered to approximately 5,000 in 2013 and continued to rise to about 6,200 in 2014. Meanwhile, shop closures reached a peak of roughly 7,200 in 2013 before declining to around 6,500 the following year.
In 2015, the number of shop closures experienced a dramatic fall to below 1,000, which was the lowest figure shown on the graph. However, this number recovered rapidly to just over 5,000 in 2016 and remained relatively stable during the final three years, finishing at approximately 5,200 in 2018. By contrast, shop openings stayed at around 4,000 in both 2015 and 2016 before increasing slightly to about 4,200 in 2017. Finally, the figure declined to approximately 3,000 in 2018, the lowest level for shop openings during the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and successfully selected key data points to support your description. The comparison between the two categories is well-integrated throughout the report. You have accurately identified the starting and ending points, as well as the significant fluctuations, such as the dramatic drop in closures in 2015. The information is well-selected and logically presented, meeting all requirements for a high band score in this criterion.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from the overview to the specific details of the timeline. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'whereas', 'meanwhile', 'by contrast', and 'after that', which help to guide the reader through the data. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the general trends and the specific data points is seamless. The structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing trends and data. Phrases such as 'downward trend', 'fluctuated considerably', 'plunged dramatically', and 'recovered rapidly' show a strong command of descriptive language. The word choice is precise and contributes to the clarity of the report. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is varied enough to avoid repetition. The language used is natural and fits the academic tone required for this task.
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 ('while shop closures fluctuated considerably') and participial phrases. The punctuation is accurate, and there are no noticeable errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the overall control of grammar is consistent throughout the text. This demonstrates a strong ability to manipulate language for clear and accurate reporting.
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