Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The line graph illustrates the variety of shops that closed and the number of newly built shops that opened in one country from 2011 to 2018.
Overall, the number of closing shops dramatically declined throughout the period, while the number of opening shops significantly increased and rapidly decreased by the end of the period.
Furthermore, in 2011, the number of closed shops started at around 62,000, whereas the number of shops opening started at almost 85,000, significantly the highest figure throughout the period. Moreover, in 2012, the number of closed shops dropped and significantly increased in 2013 to 71,000, respectively. However, the number of closed shops suddenly decreased and went around 10,000 in 2015. After that, it rapidly went upward and stayed almost the same in 2018 at approximately 5,000.
In addition, the number of opening shops dramatically declined from the starting point in 2011 and went up to 3,999 in 2012. Additionally, it significantly escalated and went up to around 6,100 in 2014. Nevertheless, the opening trend went downward throughout the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall trends and key data points. However, the description of the data is occasionally inaccurate or confusing. For instance, the statement that the number of opening shops 'rapidly decreased by the end of the period' contradicts the visual data, and the specific figures mentioned (e.g., '3,999' or '6,100') do not align clearly with the provided graph. While the overview is present, the lack of precision in reporting the data points limits the effectiveness of the summary. To improve, ensure that data points are read accurately from the axes and that the summary reflects the actual trends shown.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'furthermore', 'however', and 'in addition' are used to link ideas. However, the progression of information within the body paragraphs is sometimes disjointed. For example, the transition between the 2012 and 2013 data for closures is confusingly phrased with the word 'respectively', which does not fit the context. Additionally, some sentences feel disconnected from the overall narrative of the trend. Improving the flow between sentences and ensuring that cohesive devices are used to clarify rather than obscure the relationship between data points will enhance the coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with attempts to use descriptive language such as 'dramatically declined', 'significantly escalated', and 'rapidly went upward'. However, there are instances of imprecise word choice and awkward phrasing, such as 'newly built shops' (the graph refers to shops opening, not necessarily newly built) and 'went around 10,000'. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, but it lacks the precision and sophistication required for a higher band. Focusing on more accurate collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing will help elevate the lexical score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors and awkward constructions. For example, 'the number of closed shops dropped and significantly increased in 2013 to 71,000, respectively' is grammatically problematic and confusing. There are also issues with preposition usage and tense consistency. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Increasing the variety of error-free complex structures and proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy would be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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