Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

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

Overall, it is clear that the closing of the shops started with a good pace but dramatically the graph fell down and rose up. Furthermore, the openings started with high pace but it started to fell down slowly.

Looking first at the closures, it started with 6500 in 2011 then came down and rose up but suddenly fell down dramatically lowest to 500 in year 2015, and then it again rose up from year 2015 to year 2016 and then it was eventually almost on the same line.

Turning to openings, it started with the highest 8500 in year 2011 then suddenly dropped down to 4000 in year 2012, then again rose to 6000 in year 2014, but again fell down to 4000 in year 2015. Then it was on the same line but again lastly fell to 3000 in year 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying key trends and data points. However, the overview is somewhat vague, using imprecise language like 'good pace' and 'dramatically the graph fell down'. While the main features are reported, the comparison between the two categories could be more explicit. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the most significant trends (e.g., the overall decline in both categories) rather than describing the movement of the lines in a mechanical way. The data points are generally accurate, but the description of the trends lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs for each category. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Looking first at' and 'Turning to', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions are repetitive or slightly awkward, such as the frequent use of 'then' and 'but'. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the internal cohesion within paragraphs could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the data points more fluidly rather than listing them sequentially.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There is a reliance on basic verbs like 'fell', 'rose', and 'started'. Phrases such as 'good pace' and 'on the same line' are not ideal for describing statistical trends. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', 'plummeted', or 'gradual decline'. While the meaning is always clear, the lexical range is limited and does not demonstrate the flexibility required for higher scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and word forms, such as 'it started to fell down' (should be 'fall') and 'dramatically lowest to 500' (awkward phrasing). Punctuation is generally functional, but some sentences are slightly run-on or lack clarity. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on consistent verb tense usage and refining sentence structure will help improve accuracy.

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

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