Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-10
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 5.5)
The given line graph demonstrates the amount of stores that shutdown and the amount of stores that are inaugurated in one nation from 2011 and 2018. Overall, initially the number of opening of the stores were the highest meanwhile, the closures of shops were moderate however, one deep declination was seen.
In 2011, the number of store openings were the highest through out the decade approximately 8,500 shops. However, next year the graph went drastically downward and stood at 4000 shops. After that, it steadily rose upwards in two years and reached at 6,100 shops. Again, some declination phase was seen in 2015 however, after that the trend was in stable position for the next two years. Finally, the steadiness got downwards and stood at 3000 shops openings in a year.
Turning to shops closures, it was below than openings of shops in 2011, around 6,300 shops. After that, some little deep was seen in next year but in 2013, the trend achieved inclination. In 2015, the major declination was seen of the stores closures approximately only 500 shops. Furthermore, the trend went upwards in next year and steadily the trend moved ahead and finally it stood up at
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, but the analysis is incomplete. The essay ends abruptly mid-sentence, failing to provide a conclusion or complete the description of the final data points. While the overview identifies some trends, the lack of a finished response significantly impacts the ability to fully address the task requirements. The data points are generally accurate, but the incomplete nature of the writing prevents a higher score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, and there is an attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'Turning to', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally'. However, the progression of ideas is hindered by the incomplete ending. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical. The abrupt termination of the text makes it difficult to assess the overall coherence of the piece as a complete report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'shutdown' (used as a noun), 'inaugurated' (which is too formal/inappropriate for shops), and 'deep declination'. Phrases like 'the trend achieved inclination' are non-standard and confusing. While the meaning is generally clear, the vocabulary is not used with sufficient flexibility or accuracy to reach a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Subject-verb agreement issues are common, such as 'the number of opening of the stores were' (should be 'was') and 'the trend went upwards'. There are also errors in preposition use and word order, such as 'below than' and 'stood at 3000 shops openings'. These errors are noticeable and occasionally distract the reader, though they do not completely impede communication.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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