Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-09

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 7.0)

The line graph shows the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in one country between 2011 and 2018.

Overall, the number of new shops opened changed a lot during the period. The number of shop closures also fluctuated, but it generally decreased by the end of the period. The biggest difference can be seen in 2015, when very few new shops opened.

In 2011, about 6,500 new shops opened, while around 8,500 shops closed. In 2012, the number of new shops decreased slightly to about 6,000, whereas closures fell to around 4,000. The number of new shops then increased to approximately 7,200 in 2013, before falling to about 6,500 in 2014.

In 2015, the number of new shops dropped sharply to only around 500, which was the lowest figure on the graph. However, it increased again to about 5,200 in 2016 and stayed close to this level in 2017 and 2018.

Regarding shop closures, the figure rose from about 4,000 in 2012 to 6,000 in 2014. It then fell to around 4,000 in 2015 and 2016. Finally, closures decreased further to approximately 3,000 in 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers all parts of the task. You have identified the main trends and provided relevant data points to support your descriptions. The overview clearly highlights the volatility of new shop openings and the general downward trend in closures. You have made relevant comparisons, such as noting the sharp drop in 2015. To reach a higher band, ensure that the 'main features' are even more sharply defined; for instance, you could explicitly contrast the periods where openings exceeded closures versus when they were lower. Overall, the information is accurate and well-selected.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from the overview to the chronological details of openings and then closures. You use cohesive devices like 'In 2011', 'However', and 'Regarding' effectively to guide the reader. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow between sentences is smooth. To improve, you could vary your linking phrases slightly more to avoid a repetitive structure at the start of sentences, but the current level of cohesion is already quite strong and clear.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information with precision. Phrases like 'changed a lot', 'fluctuated', 'dropped sharply', and 'lowest figure' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and appropriate for an Academic Task 1, it lacks a degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the score to an 8.0. The word choices are consistently correct, and there are no spelling errors, which supports clear communication throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response displays a good control of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'In 2011, about 6,500 new shops opened, while around 8,500 shops closed.' The punctuation is accurate, and the verb tenses are consistently used to describe past trends. The sentences are generally error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice or more sophisticated subordinate clauses, to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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

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