Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-19

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 number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in a country from 2011 to 2018.

It is clear that in the first year there is a huge decrease on the number of shops that opened, while the number of shops that closed showed a decrease after four years.

The number of shops that opened in 2011 showed a decreasing figure until 2012, but dramatically increase in 2014. From 2015 to 2917 the number of shops opened were consistent to 4,000, then dropped to 3,000 in the year 2018.

The number of shops close in 2011 was recorded at 6,500 then minimally dropped to 6,000 in 2012, but increased to 7,000 in 2013. In 2014 it was recorded at 6,500, then showed a dramatic decrease to 500 in 2015,

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified some main features, the analysis is incomplete as the response ends abruptly mid-sentence in the final paragraph. You have attempted to report data for both categories, but the lack of a concluding summary or a complete overview of the final years prevents a full development of the task. To improve, ensure you complete all sentences and provide a clear overview that highlights the most significant trends across the entire period, rather than just listing data points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the progression of ideas is interrupted by the incomplete final sentence. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'It is clear that' and 'In 2014', but the flow is somewhat mechanical. The use of referencing is occasionally unclear, and the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. To improve, ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and that you use a wider variety of linking words to connect your observations more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'dramatically increase', 'minimally dropped', and 'consistent'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and form, such as 'number of shops close' (should be 'closures') and '2917' (a clear typo for 2017). The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Focus on using more precise collocations and ensure you proofread for minor errors that can distract the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'decrease on the number' (should be 'in'), 'number of shops opened were' (should be 'was'), and the incomplete sentence at the end. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to affect the overall fluency. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that your complex sentences are punctuated correctly. Reviewing your work for basic grammatical accuracy will help you achieve a higher score.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.