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 given line chart illustrates the total count of shops which shut down and number of new shops opening in a particular nation during 2011 to 2018.

Overall, the number of shops closed and shops which opened newly during the given time period followed a downward trend.

In 2011, nearly 6500 shops were closed whereas about 8500 shops newly opened in a particular nation during. The count of shops which closed sharply declined to 4000 before increasing again to 5000 and 6000 in next two respective years. Also, the number of shops that shit down reached to 4000 again in 2015. Surprisingly, the count of new opened shops gradually dipped below 1000 in that same year.

The shops which newly opened recovered again with an increasing trend to countabove 5000 in next year. And, count of closed shops remain stable for two years before declining again to 3000 in 2017.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall downward trend and specific data points for 2011 and 2015. However, the analysis is somewhat uneven; while you identify the start and end points, the description of the middle years is slightly disjointed. To reach a higher band, ensure that all key features are clearly highlighted and that comparisons between the two categories (closures vs. openings) are more explicit throughout the report. The overview is present but could be more detailed regarding the fluctuations observed in the data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas from the introduction to the body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'In 2011', 'Also', and 'before', which help the reader follow the narrative. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the connection between sentences could be smoother. For instance, the transition between the description of 2015 and the subsequent recovery in the final paragraph is a bit abrupt. Improving the variety of linking words would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'downward trend', 'sharply declined', and 'gradually dipped'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'new opened shops' (should be 'newly opened shops') and 'shit down' (a spelling error for 'shut down'). To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure that your word forms are accurate. The range is sufficient to convey meaning, but lacks the sophistication required for higher bands.

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, such as 'count of closed shops remain stable' (should be 'remained'), 'in next two respective years' (missing articles), and 'countabove' (spacing error). These errors do not impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement, the use of articles, and consistent tense usage when describing past data.

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

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