Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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)

How many shops were closed and opened in a country over a time period of 7 years ([redacted phone]), has been depicted by the linear representation.

Commencing with , in 2011, the number of closed shops was at its peak which was around 85,00. This number dropped significantly and remained almost half next year. After increasing to 6000 in 2014 , this count dropped by 2000 by following year and remained stable til 2017. Eventually, there were 3000 closed shops in the last year .

In the terms of opened shops , the number hovered around 6000 and 7000 during first four years. Interestingly, a very considerable decline was witnessed during 2015 at 1000 only . However , more shops stated getting opened next year and their count was recorded at around 5000 during last three years.

Overall, although the number of closures was higher than openings in first year , it was surpassed by the openings almost every year except 2015 .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features and trends of the graph. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with data from the chart. However, there is a significant inaccuracy in your data reporting: you stated the initial closure figure was '85,00', which is likely a misreading of 8,500. Additionally, the overview is slightly inaccurate, as the data shows closures were actually higher than openings for most of the period, not the other way around. To improve, ensure you double-check the scale of the axes and verify your summary against the visual data to ensure complete accuracy.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with an introduction, body paragraphs for each category, and a summary. You use some cohesive devices like 'Commencing with', 'In the terms of', and 'Overall', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally imprecise. For instance, 'the last year' is used without specifying the date. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that time references are consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'depicted', 'linear representation', 'considerable decline', and 'surpassed'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'stated getting opened' instead of 'started opening' or 'began to open'. While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and ensure that your vocabulary choices are natural and contextually appropriate for a formal report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While many sentences are clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'In the terms of opened shops' (should be 'In terms of'), 'til' (informal, should be 'until'), and the awkward phrasing in the opening sentence. Punctuation is generally functional, though there are some inconsistent spaces before commas. To improve, focus on eliminating minor grammatical errors and refining your sentence structure to ensure greater precision and formal tone throughout your writing.

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

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