Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-05

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 6.0)

The line chart illustrates the number of shop closures and openings in a country from 2011 to 2018.

Overall, it is evident that the number of shops opening decreased, while shop closures fluctuated over the time period.

Regarding shop openings, the figure stood at 8,500, the highest. Subsequently, it decreased dramatically, reaching 4,000 in 2012, then recovered to approximately 6,200 in 2014. Following this, it declined again, reaching 4,000 in 2015, remaining stable until 2016. Thereafter, there was a slight increase to about 4200 in 2017. In 2018, shop openings decreased and reached 3,000, the lowest number.

Looking at the shop closings, it started at around 6,500 in 2011. It then rose to about 7,100 in 2013, the peak, before falling significantly to under 1,000, the lowest figure during this time period. Afterward, it increased again sharply to 5,200 in 2016; despite a mild decline, it reached the same level in 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features and trends of the graph. The overview clearly contrasts the general movement of shop openings and closures. You have selected key data points to support your descriptions, such as the peak in 2011 for openings and the significant drop in closures. However, to reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more explicit; for instance, you could note when the number of closures overtook openings. The data is accurately reported, and the response covers all parts of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on openings and closings respectively. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices such as 'subsequently', 'following this', and 'thereafter' to link sentences. However, the flow could be improved by using more varied linking phrases to connect the two categories, rather than treating them in isolation. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two main trends.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuated', 'declined', 'recovered', and 'significantly'. The language is generally precise and appropriate for an academic report. There are no major spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or synonyms to avoid repeating 'number of' or 'increased/decreased' too frequently. The vocabulary is adequate to convey the information clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'despite a mild decline, it reached the same level in 2018'. The grammar is generally accurate, and your control over punctuation is good. While there are occasional minor slips, such as 'it started at around 6,500' (referring to 'closings' as a singular noun), these do not impede understanding. To aim for a higher band, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or relative clauses, to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.