Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-12
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 5.0)
The graph illustrates number of shops opened and closed in one country from 2011 to 2018.
Overall, new number of shops opening is high in the beginning but till end the ratio goes down. Alternatively number of shops closing from start is high but slows down till end
We can clearly see that the number of shop opening in early years is near to 9000 which slows down after almost one year then the ratio of opening is higher near to 6000 shops which slows down till 2018.
Number of shops closing in early year 2011 is between 6500 which is increased in almost 2013 and reached to near 7100 and in mid years the number of shops opening is near to zero but till 2018 the number of closure is increased .The graph graph fluctuate from 2011 to 2018 there is no sudden increase or decrease in graph values .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the general downward trend for openings and the fluctuations in closures. However, the analysis is hampered by significant inaccuracies in data interpretation. For instance, stating that the number of shop openings is 'near to zero' in mid-years contradicts the visual data, and the description of the trends is often vague or confusing. While you have attempted to report the main features, the lack of precision in citing figures and the misinterpretation of the data points prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure you carefully verify the data points against the axes and provide a more accurate summary of the trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt, and the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical (e.g., 'Alternatively', 'We can clearly see'). The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the two categories. Paragraphing is present but does not effectively group related ideas. To improve, focus on using a wider range of linking words to connect your sentences and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You frequently use basic terms like 'high', 'low', 'slows down', and 'increased'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'till end the ratio goes down' and 'in early year 2011 is between 6500'. These errors occasionally make the meaning slightly ambiguous. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'declined steadily', or 'remained stable'. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and adverbs will also help improve the sophistication of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. There are frequent grammatical errors, including missing articles ('illustrates number of shops'), incorrect verb tenses, and awkward phrasing ('the graph graph fluctuate'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some sentences lacking proper structure. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction limits the score. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and attempting more complex sentence structures like relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions to improve flow and accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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